Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Role Summary

The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and supports the delivery of safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to patients across inpatient units. The CNA assists with activities of daily living, monitors patient conditions, and supports nursing staff in maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient care environment.

This role is essential to patient safety, infection prevention, fall prevention, and overall patient experience within the hospital setting.

What You’ll Do

• Assist patients with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility
• Measure and record vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, and weight
• Monitor patients and promptly report changes in patient condition to the RN or charge nurse
• Assist with safe patient handling and mobility using approved hospital equipment
• Support fall prevention protocols and patient safety initiatives
• Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient care activities in the electronic medical record (EMR)
• Collect specimens and measure intake and output as directed by nursing staff
• Assist patients with ambulation, positioning, and use of assistive devices
• Maintain patient rooms and clinical areas to ensure a clean, safe, and organized environment
• Follow infection prevention protocols including hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation precautions
• Provide patient-centered care that supports dignity, comfort, and respect
• Participate in departmental meetings, training programs, and hospital educational initiatives

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of an approved Nursing Assistant training program

Experience

• Minimum six (6) months of experience as a Nursing Assistant preferred
• Acute care hospital experience preferred

Licensure / Certification

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant registration on the District of Columbia Nurse Aide Registry
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to perform basic nursing care procedures safely
• Knowledge of infection prevention and patient safety practices
• Ability to recognize and report changes in patient condition
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced hospital environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations
• Ability to document patient care activities accurately in the electronic medical record

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital is a leading academic medical center dedicated to improving health outcomes in the Washington, DC community. As the teaching hospital for Howard University’s health sciences programs, the hospital plays a vital role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals while providing high-quality care to diverse patient populations.

Howard University Hospital promotes a Just Culture, supporting patient safety, accountability, and continuous learning across the organization.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement savings programs
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to work in an academic medical center environment

Pay + Schedule

• Pay Range: $17.00 - $27.20 per hour
• Shift: Night Shift
• Schedule: Every other weekend and every other holiday
• Union: Local 2094

Compliance Statements

Howard University Hospital employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements including HIPAA privacy regulations, infection prevention policies, and hospital patient safety standards.

Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer.