CNA Certified Nursing Assistant - Acute Care for the Elderly Unit - West Allis

This position supports the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit at West Allis, providing direct patient care assistance under the supervision of the nursing team. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will work with elderly patients in an acute care setting, helping with activities of daily living, patient monitoring, and supporting the nursing staff in delivering safe, age-appropriate care.

Responsibilities

• Assist RN with daily patient care including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, and ambulation with proper use of therapeutic assistive devices, positioning, range of motion, and specialized transferring techniques
• Measure and document vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration), intake and output, daily weights, and other patient data as requested; document accurately in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Perform purposeful rounding under RN direction and promptly communicate patient and family observations, concerns, and needs to the RN; document appropriately
• Participate in admission, transfer, and discharge processes under RN supervision, including room setup, patient orientation, linen management, and proper handling of patient belongings; ensure call lights are always within patient reach and answer promptly
• Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens and perform point-of-care testing using approved processes with accurate specimen labeling and identification; maintain required competency
• Complete various errands including pickup and delivery of trays, charts, specimens, and reports; maintain and order stock for the nursing area; clean equipment and work areas
• Perform patient positioning and transporting duties requiring proper lifting, pushing, and pulling techniques with use of assistive devices
• Support patient nutritional needs under RN direction, including diet review, tray setup and removal, proper positioning, and diet selection
• Maintain patient skin integrity through proper repositioning and skin care; ensure special supplies and appliances such as TED hose and sequential compression devices are provided and maintained
• Under RN direction and as determined by site and unit requirements, may remove IVs, provide post-mortem care, and perform bladder scans
• Practice infection prevention policies and procedures by demonstrating proper hand hygiene, knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials, and appropriate attire when caring for patients in isolation
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills appropriate to the age of patients served; apply principles of growth and development across the lifespan; assess patient data and interpret information to identify age-specific care requirements

Required Qualifications

• Nurse Aide certification in good standing with the State Registry in which you practice
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA); must be obtained within 45 days of hire
• High School Diploma or GED/High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)
• Basic computer skills
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist
• Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head
• Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance
• Push or pull with 30 lbs. of force
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present
• Ability to use foot pedals on carts or machines
• Functional vision and hearing
• Exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; protective clothing must be worn as necessary

Additional Requirements

• Must maintain annual educational requirements for hospital-based certifications (such as DNV, CARF, or others) as determined by the facility