CNA

Riverside Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Certified Nursing Assistant to join our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) team in Kankakee, Illinois. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential direct care to residents in a skilled nursing facility, supporting their daily living needs and assisting with healthcare tasks under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. The CNA plays a crucial role in maintaining the comfort, safety, and well-being of residents while contributing to the overall effectiveness of the nursing team. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

Direct Patient Care:

• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating.
• Help residents with mobility, including transferring, positioning, and walking, to enhance their comfort and prevent falls.
• Provide companionship and emotional support to residents, fostering a caring and supportive environment.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor and record residents' vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
• Observe and report changes in residents conditions or behaviors to the supervising nurse or healthcare team.
• Document care provided, including any incidents, changes in condition, or resident responses, accurately and in a timely manner.

Assistance with Medical Tasks:

• Assist with basic medical tasks as directed by licensed nursing staff, including wound care, catheter care, and applying topical treatments(non-medicated).
• Prepare and assist with medical equipment and supplies as needed for procedures and treatments.
• Ensure that all medical tasks are performed safely and in compliance with facility protocols.

Hygiene and Infection Control:

• Follow infection control practices and protocols, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper sanitation of equipment.
• Ensure residents environments are clean, safe, and conducive to their health and well-being.
• Assist with maintaining a clean and organized work area, including residents rooms and common areas.

Resident Interaction and Support:

• Provide respectful and compassionate care, maintaining the dignity and privacy of residents at all times.
• Engage with residents in a positive and supportive manner, addressing their needs, preferences, and concerns.
• Assist with recreational and social activities to enhance residents quality of life and emotional well-being.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work effectively with the nursing team, including RNs, LPNs, and other CNAs, to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Communicate effectively with residents and their families regarding care plans, changes in condition, and other relevant information.
• Participate in team meetings and care plan discussions to ensure that residents' needs are addressed.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Accurately document all aspects of care provided, including observations, interventions, and resident responses.
• Ensure compliance with facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to care and documentation.
• Participate in audits and quality improvement activities to support high standards of care.

Organization Compliance: 

• Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those related to infection control, safety, abuse, neglect, and resident privacy (HIPAA).
• Mentor and guide less experienced nursing staff and assist with training new employees.
• Promote a positive and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
• Regularly complete all assigned training modules and courses within the Learning Management System (LMS) to stay up to date on required skills, policies, and industry standards.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting preferred, especially in long-term care or skilled nursing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to perform physical tasks required for patient care, and proficiency in basic nursing procedures.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach with a commitment to providing high-quality care and maintaining residents dignity.

Required Licensure/Education

• Active CNA certification in Illinois
• BLS

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure To:

• Chemicals: As listed in MSDS manual; chemotherapeutic agents, Disinfectants, room deodorizers, Betadine
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Blood and urine - High risk - administers direct resident care
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: High risk - administers direct resident care

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed to communicate with patient families, ancillary staff, MDs (ex: report on patient status, instruct patient/family re: teaching needs, goals.)
• Vision: Needed to see emergency exits/equipment; required to perform assessments of patients status; read orders; operate equipment; change empty bags, recognize and respond to safety procedures/emergencies.
• Smell: Needs to note presence of incontinence, emergency situations (fire, smoke) and assessment of drainage for foul smell.
• Hearing: Needed to hear call lights, patient verbalization for assistance, patient concerns, emergency alarms, paging system, communication on telephone and hearing B/P; respond to safety procedures/emergencies.
• Touch: Needed to perform percussive assessments and to comfort patients, manipulate tools/equipment; assess skin conditions and assess pulse.

Activity/Lifting Requirement

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 20%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 5%
• Walk: 20%
• Kneel: 5%
• Lift: 20%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 10%
• Climb: 5%
• Bend: 10%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not required
• Over 100 lbs: Not required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Linen, IV equipment, pumps carried waist high from utility rooms/med rooms to patient rooms. Patient trays are carried waist high from corridor to patient room. Patients lifted from cart to bed in horizontal position. Patients transferred from bed to chair in an emergency, a patient may be lifted from floor to bed. Fire extinguisher at waist height. Reaching above shoulders to equipment in overhead storage. If more than 35 lbs. is to be moved, the expectation is that the individual will seek help and if applicable use minimal life equipment.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 20
• Twist: 45
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 5
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 5
• Lift: 45
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 10
• Climb: 5
• Bend: 10

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp Yes 15 lbs. Normal weight: daily
• Pushing & pulling Yes 15 lbs. Normal weight: 50-200lbs daily
• Fine Manipulation: Transfer to a wheelchair, writing skills required. Use of equipment, suction /NG, assisting with ADL's - buttoning, zipping, opening cartons, and packages. 

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Not required

Environmental Factors &Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Odors

Special Hazards: Radiation, Chemical, Other: Occasional exposure to s-ray in patient room to agents, frequent exposure to sharp needles, blades.

Protective Clothing Required: As required for Universal Precautions special isolation (gloves, gowns, mask).