Graduate Nursing Assistant - CNA or Surgical Specialty

Full-Time, Nights

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                     Graduate Nursing Assistant

REPORTS TO POSITION:      Varies

DEPARTMENT:                       Varies

DATE LAST REVIEWED:        October 2026   

OUR VISION:                           Creating America’s healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION:                        In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:                         Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Graduate Nurse Assistant position staffs various units throughout St. Charles Health System.  These departments provide 24/7 specialized care to patients throughout their hospitalization and discharge.

POSITION OVERVIEW: In collaboration with community partners, the Graduate Nurse Assistant will have completed a required CNA course in preparation for CNA certification test through the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).

A Graduate Nursing Assistant, provides patient and family focused care functions as part of the health care team in accordance with the organization’s mission, philosophy, policies and procedures and within the scope of this job description. May function in this role up to 120 days pending CNA Certification through the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).

This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Recognizes, reports, and records observations and care provided.

Functions as an unlicensed assistive care provider under the direction and supervision of Registered Nurse.

Performs duties as outlined in SCHS policy, in which competency has been demonstrated and as assigned by the Registered Nurse.

Answers call lights.

Monitors a patient 1:1 for safety to prevent: falls, disruption of medical devices, self-harm, flight risk situations, and other activities that may cause harm.

Alerts nursing staff if there is a change in the patient’s behavior or condition or the patient requires assistance or other nursing intervention.

May utilize crisis de-escalation techniques to assist in safely de-escalating patients. Assists with crisis intervention process of potentially dangerous patients. Utilizes AVADE training on approach.

Provides patient care hygiene as needed and according to standards.

Stocks unit, transports patients, and assists in keeping the unit clean and free of clutter.

Cleans equipment and helps identify need for maintenance, when appropriate, and ensures rental equipment is returned to agency of ownership.  

Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient and caregiver.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining role in patient’s care, asking the patient his or her preferred name, sitting with the patient to determine his or her care goals, active listening, and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.

Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies, procedures and regulatory agencies.

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports the Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. 

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION:        

Required: As required by certification. Successful completion of an accredited CNA course.                                                                                                              

Preferred: N/A 

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

Required:

• Must register for the CNA certification exam with OSBN within 14 days of completion of the CNA course.

• Must be a Certified Nursing Assistant with the Oregon State Board of Nursing within 120 days of completion of the course.
• AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.

Preferred: N/A 

EXPERIENCE:

Required: N/A 

Preferred: Previous experience in a patient care setting.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds. The use and operation of a motor vehicle for Home Health and Wound Caregivers.

Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing ladder/stepstool (varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level.

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs.

Never (0%): Climbing ladder/stepstool (varies by area), operation of a motor vehicle.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.

Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP.

Schedule Weekly Hours:

36

Caregiver Type:

Regular

Shift:

Third Shift (United States of America)

Is Exempt Position?

No

Job Family:

Residents and Trainees

Scheduled Days of the Week:

Variable; includes every other weekend and holidays

Shift Start & End Time:

1900-0730