Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Description Sample & Template

Certified Nursing Assistant aiding elderly woman

What skills and qualifications do Certified Nursing Assistants need?

Table of contents

  1. Future Job Prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
  2. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) Salary and Benefits
  3. Education and Training Requirements
  4. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Description Sample – Free Download

1. Future Job Prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)

  • CNAs provide clinical and patient care support in healthcare settings. They work in hospitals, medical practices, nursing homes, or anywhere with medical care.
  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles are expected to grow at a faster rate than most professional positions, at 17% from 2017 to 2024.
  • As the Baby Boomer population ages, the demand for this profession will increase in the future.

2. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) Salary and Benefits

  • According to the BLS, the average wage for a CNA was $25,710.
  • These are generally full-time roles with benefits, but can also be part-time or even temporary or contract staffing.

3. Education and Training Requirements

  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
  • Graduation from a state-approved educational program and certification in state competency exam is required.
  • On-the-job training is also required.
  • Additional certifications may be necessary, such as a medical assistant certification or an American Red Cross Basic Life Support certification.
Tip
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) should always first read their patient’s care plan thoroughly. If in doubt or unsure about dosages or how often they should be administered, always ask a nurse for assistance if the plan is confusing or requires additional explanations.

4. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Description Sample

Download This Job Description Template – Free Download

We are seeking a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) that is qualified and has a professional bedside manner. In this role, you will perform clerical and light medical tasks in a busy hospital setting. You will be responsible for working directly with patients in a cardiac unit.

You will assist patients with all basic functions, from walking carefully to the restroom or in the halls, or supplying them with a bedpan. The position will also include tasks such as shifting non-mobile patients and changing linens, tidying each room and helping readjust patients in bed to be more comfortable and delivering meals during shifts and helping patients eat.

You will also help with overall patient hygiene including sponge baths or escorting patients to the shower. From ice packs to ice water, the job is to help patients with their daily living activities in a friendly, comforting manner.

Clinical duties will include taking vital signs and temperatures, then making sure patient’s’ questions are answered. You will carefully observe patients and report changes in behavior or symptoms to the appropriate clinical staff as per hospital protocol.

You will comply with HIPAA, Joint Commission, and all other federal or state regulations as required by law. It is essential to have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate sensitive information to patients in a compassionate and professional manner.  Additionally, you will also be able to coordinate the needs of family members, patients, and clinical staff when they interact.

No experience is necessary for this role, as extensive on-site training will be offered. A CNA Certification and a criminal background check and drug screening is required for this position.

Responsibilities

  • Observes patients and communicates any concerns or changes in status to the appropriate clinical staff.
  • Cleaning, feeding, bathing and generally caring for sick patients.
  • Help patients get out of, or back in bed.
  • Assist patients in going to the restroom or dressing.
  • Move patients from the bed to a wheelchair.
  • Measures vital signs including blood pressure and body temperature.
  • Serves food and assists patients with eating.
  • Tucks patients in bed, fluffing pillows, getting them water, and generally trying to make them more comfortable.
  • Changes linens and stock supplies.
  • Participates in basic cleaning tasks.

Required Skills

Educational

  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) is required.
  • Graduation from a state-approved CNA program and CNA certification is required.
  • On-the-job training is also required.

Technical

  • Physically able to stand for long periods.
  • Strong enough to shift and move patients.
  • Able to take blood pressure and temperatures.
  • Able to observe patients keenly and communicate changes in status.

Communication/Organizational

  • Exhibits compassion in caring for the sick.
  • Very patient and kind.
  • Strong communication with an excellent bedside manner.
  • Excellent customer service skills with a calm, professional attitude.
  • Good listening skills and solid reading comprehension.
  • Exceptionally responsible and trustworthy.
  • Ability to multitask and handle the smells, sounds, and stress that comes in a clinical environment.
  • Detail oriented and focused.
  • Efficient and organized.

Benefits

  • Full-time with benefits
  • Part-time

How to Apply

Apply by forwarding your resume along with a cover letter.