Certified Nurses Aide Specialist

Fulfill your passion to serve others and make a difference in your community while starting a career in state government. Use your skills as a CNA and join our team as we provide exceptional care to our patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• As part of the float pool, perform first line CNA duties and responsibilities.
• Perform a variety of specialized, discipline specific projects as assigned by the Director of Nursing or designee.
• Work with charge nurse to coordinate the care, comfort and safety of patients.
• Act as role model in following hospital and departmental policies, procedures and in the performance of job duties.
• Monitor, address and report unsafe behaviors, safety issues, contraband and dangerous situations. Respond to safety team calls when designated.
• Initiate therapeutic interaction with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ensure clean and safe living conditions for patients.
• Assist licensed nurses with medication pass by providing second identification, as needed.
• Collaborate with program and/or department supervisors in the development of appropriate interventions to meet patient goals and objectives.
• May provide specific training to MHT/CNA staff.
• Document patient medical record in an accurate, timely and consistent manner.
• Work as lead worker for special projects.
• Rotate being on-call to meet staffing ratios and adequate coverage standards.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference may be given to applicants who hold a CNA, have CNA experience or experience working in the behavioral health field.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge and ability to apply skills learned in caring for and management of populations with intellectual disabilities/mental illness or borderline/personality disorder diagnoses.
• Ability to use crisis intervention techniques in handling patient verbal and/or physical aggression.
• Knowledge of hospital policies and procedures and progress note charting procedures.
• Knowledge of patient behavioral plans and ability to carry them out appropriately.
• Knowledge of appropriate professional conduct, the Wyoming State Board of Nursing Scope of Practice for CNA and Code of Ethics, state policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand and perform emergency procedures for life safety, hazardous materials and waste spills or exposures, medical equipment disruptions and/or failures.
• Demonstrated skills in bathing, feeding and performing a variety of personal services and basic skills in performing various therapeutic treatments.
• Good verbal and written communication, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow through with assigned and delegated tasks.
• Ability to use a computer for documentation in the patient’s electronic medical record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Associate’s Degree (typically in Healthcare)

PLUS

Experience:

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Human Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Human Services Aide

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Human Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Human Services Aide

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds or one quarter of your body weight with assistance.
• Hear blood pressure readings with standard blood pressure cuff.
• Stand for extended periods of time.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Requires a high degree of flexibility with personal scheduling to provide adequate hospital coverage.
• Must successfully complete required classes to maintain certification or license and those required for the job as well as perform CPR, Crisis Management, First Aid, Fire Safety, Disaster, Defensive Driving and Infection Control.
• A background check, including fingerprinting, will be completed through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Wyoming Department of Family Services and the F.B.I. for every successful applicant.
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing will be conducted on safety-sensitive positions. Drug testing will be completed on any position if reasonable suspicion exists.
• The Wyoming Department of Health offers an excellent benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, state retirement plans, deferred compensation program and longevity pay.

Supplemental Information

048-Department of Health – Behavioral Health Division – Wyoming State Hospital