Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Surgery - Temporary position

Description

St. Croix Health is looking for a temporary Certified Nursing Assistant to work in our Surgery department.    

This position will work day shifts, Monday through Friday for approximately 7 - 12 weeks. 

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) partners with the registered nurse and performs work as delegated to support in the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care. The CNA assists patients with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and mobility. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the CNA supports clinical care by monitoring vital signs, assisting with basic medical procedures, and accurately reporting changes in patient condition or behavior. The CNA plays a key role in promoting patient comfort, safety, and overall well-being within the scope of their practice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Assist patients with ADLs (e.g., bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, mobility) to promote comfort and dignity.
• Reposition or transfer patients safely to enhance mobility and prevent skin breakdown.
• Respond promptly to call lights and requests, assessing and addressing patient needs.
• Provide direct assistance with eating and drinking, ensuring patient dietary restrictions and preferences are followed.
• Safely assist in lifting, transferring, or repositioning patient using appropriate techniques and equipment to prevent injury.

2. Clinical Support and Communication

• Monitor and document vital signs using approved equipment, reporting deviations to the RN immediately.
• Observe and report any changes in patient behavior, skin integrity, or symptoms to the RN to support timely clinical decision-making.
• Assist the nurse with non-invasive procedures and equipment operation, maintaining proper scope of practice. 
• Apply clean dressing, sling, stockings or support bandages under RN direction to support treatment plans.
• Communicate proactively with the care team to report patient needs, changes in condition, and care preferences. 

3. Environmental Safety and Unit Support

• Maintain a clean and safe environment by performing routine cleaning of patient rooms and common areas.
• Change soiled linens, empty commodes or bedpans, and restock personal care supplies in patient rooms at least once per shift.
• Complete unit cleanliness and supply checklist daily; submit work order for maintenance issues.
• Stock and organize medical supplies to ensure availability and promote efficiency.
• Uphold infection control standards consistently, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and surface cleaning. 

4. Emotional Support and Patient Interaction

• Provide empathetic, patient-centered care by engaging in positive communication and responding to requests in a timely, respectful manner. 
• Identify and support the emotional and social needs of patients through active listening, conversation, and reporting of concerns to primary RN. 
• Observe for signs of distress or discomfort and communicate observations promptly to the RN.   

Requirements

Education & Licensure:

• Current WI Nurse Aide registry required
• BLS certification required (through American Heart Association or American Red Cross BLS course)
• At least 18 years of age (for Surgical Services and Emergency Departments)

Experience:

• Prior CNA experience preferred

Competencies:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little direction and manage multiple demands and priorities
• General knowledge of healthcare service delivery
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Ability to work productively with minimal supervision and is self-motivated
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions/instructions
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse people
• Ability to deal effectively and assertively with a broad range of people under varying pressure situations
• Have general knowledge of computer skills
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times

St. Health has been a healing force in the St. Croix Valley for over 103 years. We are a purpose-driven organization with a dedicated team committed to serving our patients and communities throughout the St. Croix Valley. This commitment is rooted in our mission, vision and values.

Mission:  We help people live healthier, happier, and longer lives.

Vision:  To transform from quality sick care to quality well care that is sustainable and affordable.

Values:  People Centered, Trust, Innovation, and Growth.

Here at St. Croix Health we offer our employees with a robust benefits package that includes:

• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Free parking

St. Croix Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system located in St. Croix Falls, WI dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. St. Croix Health offers the services of 80+ providers and 20 specialties with five community clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin all supported by a critical access hospital on the main campus in St. Croix Falls, just an hour northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Nestled in the bluffs of the St. Croix River Valley, St. Croix Falls is the ideal place to work, live and play.