Unit Assistant Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A) functions within the Scope of Practice outlined by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The C.N.A assists the Registered Nurse and interdisciplinary team in the safe delivery of quality patient care, while supporting unit operations.
This position supports the Frederick Health mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the Frederick Health Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the Frederick Health Standards of Behavior.
Unit Description:
3A is a 26-bed unit dedicated to the management of adult patients with a range of orthopedic and neurological conditions. The unit primarily serves patients recovering from joint replacement surgeries and hip fractures, as well as those requiring acute care for neurological conditions including stroke and seizure disorders.
Our unit is staffed by a highly skilled nursing team with expertise in both orthopedic and neurologic care. Several nurses hold specialty certifications in stroke care and medical-surgical nursing, reflecting advanced clinical knowledge and a commitment to evidence-based practice. All nursing staff maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, ensuring rapid recognition and response to clinical deterioration.
Care delivery on the unit is centered on a multidisciplinary approach, promoting optimal recovery, patient safety, and functional outcomes. Nurses are trained to perform focused neurological assessments, post-operative monitoring, early mobility initiatives, and patient and family education. The team collaborates closely with physicians, rehabilitation services, and ancillary staff to support individualized care plans and coordinated discharge planning.
The unit emphasizes high-quality, patient-centered care with a focus on safety, early intervention, and rehabilitation to support patients in achieving their highest level of independence following hospitalization. We are proud to be designated as a Magnet® nursing hospital and named A Great Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's.
Essential Functions:
• In a team relationship with a registered nurse, and under the instruction, direction, and supervision of a nurse, the CNA shall:
o Collect and record routine health data that is defined but not limited to cultural, religious and socioeconomic background and activities of daily living.
o Orally report the health status data as required by the nurse.
o Provide feedback to the nurse regarding the nurse-directed plan of care, which is being implemented.
o Provide feedback to the nurse about the patient's expressed wishes concerning the plan of care.
• Provide assistance with activities of daily living as delegated by the nurse, including but not limited to:
o Morning, evening, and general care to include bathing, mouth care, hair care, shaving, and skin care according to individual patient needs.
o Repositioning patients to prevent skin breakdown.
o Ensuring patients are out of bed and ambulated according to physician orders and RN direction.
o Preparing for and assisting patients with meals, nourishments and beverages.
• Perform interventions as delegated by a registered nurse, including but not limited to:
o Hourly rounding to include the 4 P's: Pain, Potty, Personal Needs; Possessions.
o Blood glucose testing, vital signs, pulse oximetry, height, weight, SCD's, indwelling urinary catheter removal, indwelling peripheral intravenous catheter removal, simple wound care to uncomplicated healing surgical wounds, and/or other equipment required by each department.
• Record routine data and care provided on appropriate documents.
• Identify the need for assistance and request assistance when the CAN is unsure about the condition; does not know how to do an activity; or is working in a new practice setting.
• Report the patient's response and the patient's progress to the nurse at designated times and/or when there is a change in the patient's condition.
• Participation in:
o Quality of care activities
o Performance self-appraisal
o Continued learning
o Collaboration
o Completion of appropriate delegated assignments.
• Adhere to local, state and federal guidelines and regulations regarding client confidentiality and privacy rights. Direct all patient requests for information to the nurse.
• Advocate for the patient by reporting to the nurse statements expressed by the patient or family regarding request for information; concerns about care; patient needs; and collaboration with other health care team members by reporting information and data regarding the patient in a timely, truthful and complete manner.
• Reinforce the nurse's health teaching in accordance with the facility, employer, and at the direction of the registered nurse's written instruction. Report the patient's response to teaching or requests for additional information.
• Completes mandatory education requirement for the hospital and department.
• Assists in orienting new employees to the department.
• Stays informed of unit/hospital events by reading minutes or attending staff meetings.
• Serves on committees and projects as necessary.
• Comply with all local, state and federal guidelines and regulations governing Certified Nursing Assistant practice.
• Comply with the C.N.A. code of ethics in accordance with COMAR 10.39.07;
• Performs safely and competently all activities as assigned or delegated.
• Keeps the department clean and orderly: kitchen, soiled utility room, clean utility room, etc.
• Floats to other units as assigned.
• Transports patients as needed.
• Other department clerical activities:
o Records and communicates messages.
o Maintains adequate inventory of forms, materials, and equipment.
o Prepares specimens for transports and timely delivery to other departments using appropriate communication forms and labeling techniques.
o Prepares forms for charges and credits and maintains department logs, forms, and other required statistics.
• Performs the duties of a patient care companion as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to read, write and comprehend medical terminology
• Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective use of proper body mechanics when handling patients, supplies and equipment.
• Ability to handle a physically demanding environment.
• Skills and abilities to perform all job description duties according to the age specific patient population served by their department.
Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:
• CNA Certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing as required by Health Occupations Article Title 8-6A-01.
• Current CPR certification.
Reporting Relationship:
Reports to the Department Manager. Receives supervision from the Director, Manager, and/or Registered Nurse.
Caring for you as you care for the CommUNITY
Frederick Health offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. Health, Dental and Vision insurance are offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment to all employees hired to work at least 20 hours per week and we offer multiple plans to best meet your and your family's needs. Life insurance, Short-Term Income Replacement and Long-Term Disability are employer paid for eligible employees. Frederick Health offers a robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees. Our 403B retirement plan helps you save for your retirement and includes an employer match to eligible employees. All employees have access to free financial planning sessions. We also offer an educational assistance program to support your education goals as well as an employer paid Employee Assistance Program.
Pay is based on experience, skills and education. If position is part-time, salary will be pro-rated based on scheduled hours. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on specialty if applicable. Non-Exempt positions may have shift differential and/or Overtime paid, if applicable.
Hourly range: $20.25 - $27.77
Equal Opportunity Employer
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