CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT

P osition Overview

The Certified Assistant (CNA) for Agape's Way provides direct care to clients in home-based settings. The CNA assists with personal care, daily living activities, and health monitoring for individuals with developmental disabilities. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), the CNA ensures clients receive quality care according to their Individual Plans (IP) and healthcare directives. This role requires travel to clients’ homes and a commitment to s upporting their independence and well-being.

Reports to : Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)

Key Responsibilities:

Client Care & Personal Assistance

• Provide personal care services to clients, including assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. 
• Assist clients with mobility, including transfers from beds, chairs, and wheelchairs, and support them with ambulation as needed. 
• Administer prescribed range of motion exercises as directed by nursing staff. 
• Help with feeding and ensuring proper nutrition according to client care plans. 
• Ensure clients are neatly dressed and groomed, maintaining their personal dignity and hygiene. 

Medication Assistance:

• Assist clients with the self-administration of medications under the supervision of an LPN or RN. This includes: 
• Bringing medications to clients. 
• Reading medication labels and helping clients take the correct dosage. 
• Assisting with topical medication application. 
• Keeping records of medication assistance provided. 

Prohibited Activities:

• CNAs may not administer medications, injections, or perform tasks requiring clinical judgment. 
• Health Monitoring 
• Observe clients for any signs of injury, bruises, or changes in health status and report these observations to the supervising nurse immediately. 
• Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) and other health data as required by the care plan. 
• Monitor clients for changes in behavior, emotional status, or physical condition, and report findings to nursing staff. 

Home Environment Maintenance:

• Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy home environment for clients, including light housekeeping duties such as cleaning living spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens. 
• Assist clients in organizing their personal living spaces to ensure a comfortable and safe environment. 
• Support clients in participating in home upkeep activities when appropriate to encourage independence. 

Communication & Collaboration:

• Communicate regularly with Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) regarding the client’s condition, ensuring clear updates during shift changes and care handovers. 
• Serve as a liaison between clients, caregivers, and nursing staff to ensure all care needs are met. 
• Ensure that any incidents or changes in client health or behavior are documented and reported immediately to the nurse in charge. 
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to client care, following HIPAA guidelines. 

Documentation & Record Keeping:

• Accurately document all care activities, including personal care, medication assistance, and health monitoring, in the client’s care record. 
• Track and record any changes in client health or behavior, ensuring that all documentation is completed in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Ensure proper completion of Medication Administration Records (MAR) when assisting with medication self-administration. 

Safety & Emergency Preparedness:

• Follow all safety protocols to maintain a safe home environment for clients, reporting any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately. 
• Assist with emergency response protocols in the event of a medical emergency, ensuring client safety and contacting the appropriate healthcare personnel. 
• Check and maintain emergency equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, medical supplies) in the client’s home at the beginning of each shift. 

Client Advocacy & Support:

• Foster positive relationships with clients, promoting a sense of trust, respect, and support in all interactions. 
• Advocate for clients’ needs and preferences, ensuring their voices are heard in the care planning process. 
• Provide emotional support and companionship to clients, helping them maintain their emotional well-being in a home-based setting. 

Required Qualifications:

• Must have successfully completed and provide evidence of formal training and certification as a home health aide or certified nursing assistant per state and federal law and regulation.
• Training program must meet a minimum requirement of forty (40) hours.
• Home health aides/certified nursing assistants must also meet the agency’s expectations as it relates to the competency evaluation program, utilized to confirm that skills learned or tested elsewhere can be transferred successfully to the care of the client in his/her place of residence.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in home healthcare or group home settings is preferred.
• Ability to push or pull 50 pounds or more, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Ability to work on holidays and during inclement weather.
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Possess an actual desire to serve and care for others.
• Demonstrated willingness to collaborate openly across barriers and obstacles.
• Certified Nurse Assistant license 

Benefits :

• Competitive salary and benefits package. 
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities. 
• Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.