Nursing Assistant Trainee - PT

Sanford Health•De Smet, SD

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant Trainee participates in a formal learning experience designed to build the confidence and competence needed to provide personal care to clients. Under a licensed nurse’s supervision and in partnership with a preceptor, the trainee provides holistic, client-centered care that promotes independence and client rights in a safe, caring, and efficient manner. The trainee works within the role of a non-certified nursing assistant and must complete the program’s training requirements within the designated timeframe. Trainees may perform services only after receiving training and demonstrating proficiency to the instructor. The program uses a hybrid format that combines an online curriculum with hands-on skills development. Upon completion, participants are prepared to take state knowledge and skills examinations for Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) or another applicable state certification. During training, the trainee serves as part of the nursing team and follows location-specific standards for infection prevention and control, personal protective equipment, safety, and privacy. The role involves following written and verbal instructions, completing detailed work accurately, managing stress, using critical thinking, and prioritizing responsibilities. The trainee works with clients and their families to address physical, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and social needs, and delivers age-appropriate care consistent with the care plan. The trainee assists the care team, documents care when appropriate, and reports changes in client condition or care-related concerns to a licensed nurse. Duties include assisting with basic health care needs and activities of daily living, mobility and exercises, meals and nutrition, and housekeeping and laundry within the non-certified nursing assistant role.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
CNA license required within four months of employment.
Where applicable, certification and registration with the Unlicensed Assistive Person (UAP) Registry.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, perform detailed work correctly, handle stress, demonstrate critical thinking, and prioritize responsibilities.
If the position is designated as requiring driving, a valid driver’s license, acceptable motor vehicle report, and medical qualification to perform essential driving functions are required.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED (preferred, but not required).
Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience in long-term care.

Responsibilities

Provide holistic, client-centered care under the supervision of a licensed nurse and in partnership with a preceptor.
Complete formal nursing assistant program training requirements within the designated timeframe and perform services only after being trained and found proficient.
Follow location-specific standards for infection prevention and control, personal protective equipment, safety, and privacy.
Work with clients and families to support physical, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and social needs.
Deliver age-appropriate care to meet clients’ physical, psychological, and restorative needs as defined in the care plan.
Assist the care team and document client care when appropriate.
Communicate changes in client condition and care-related concerns to a licensed nurse.
Assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, undressing, obtaining vital signs, psychosocial support, and other assigned personal care.
Assist clients with transfers, repositioning, range-of-motion exercises, and walking using appropriate techniques and equipment.
Assist clients with meals and snacks, and provide water and nutritional supplements as appropriate.
Assist with housekeeping, laundry services, and other duties assigned within the non-certified nursing assistant role.