Long-Term Care CNA Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our aging society, the emphasis on long-term care Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) has never been more pronounced.

Healthcare progresses, and with each advancement, the demand for compassionate and skilled individuals who can provide, manage, and ensure quality long-term care continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a long-term care CNA?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the ins and outs of long-term care nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable long-term care CNA job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get straight to it.

Long-Term Care CNA Duties and Responsibilities

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in long-term care facilities provide essential care and assist with daily living activities for elderly or disabled patients.

This job requires a compassionate and patient person, as it often involves working with individuals who have serious health conditions and require constant care.

The duties and responsibilities of a Long-Term Care CNA include:

• Assisting patients with daily personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Turning or repositioning patients who are bedridden to prevent bedsores
• Monitoring and recording patients’ vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure
• Communicating patient status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
• Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families
• Helping patients move around, including to and from bed or the bathroom
• Ensuring patients’ rooms are kept clean and tidy
• Assisting with medical procedures and administering medication under the supervision of a registered nurse
• Participating in recreational activities with patients to improve their mental health and general wellbeing

 

Long-Term Care CNA Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Long-Term Care Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to join our healthcare team.

The Long-Term Care CNA will be responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care, assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patient vital signs, and reporting changes in patient health status to nursing staff.

Our ideal candidates possess strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of long-term care patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Assisting patients with daily living activities including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Helping patients with mobility needs, transferring them from beds to wheelchairs or assisting with walking
• Monitoring patient vital signs and reporting any changes to the nursing staff
• Recording patient health information and maintaining accurate patient records
• Communicating effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team
• Participating in patient care meetings and contributing to care planning
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable patient environment

 

Qualifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification required
• Previous experience in long-term care, skilled nursing or other related medical fields
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of patient care and hygiene standards
• Ability to lift or move patients as needed
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Long-Term Care CNA
• Work Environment: This role is based in a long-term care facility with rotating shifts. May require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Charge Nurse or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $24,000 minimum to $36,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Long-Term Care CNA Do?

Long-Term Care Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) typically work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home healthcare settings.

They are integral members of the healthcare team and play an essential role in providing care to elderly or disabled individuals who are unable to perform basic daily tasks on their own.

They assist patients with tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing.

They may also be responsible for turning or repositioning bedridden patients and helping them walk or perform physical exercises.

In addition to personal care, Long-Term Care CNAs often measure vital signs, such as the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, and record these measurements for doctors and nurses to review.

They are also responsible for observing and noting any changes in a patient’s health or behavior, and promptly reporting such changes to the medical team.

Long-term Care CNAs may also assist with housekeeping duties, such as changing bed linens and cleaning patient rooms.

Building a trusting and respectful relationship with patients is a crucial part of their role as they are often in close contact with patients and their families.

They provide emotional and social support to patients, often becoming a vital part of their support network.

Long-term Care CNAs are trained professionals who have completed a state-approved education program and have passed a competency exam.

They are registered on the state’s healthcare registry and are required to continue their education and training throughout their careers.

 

Long-Term Care CNA Qualifications and Skills

A Long-Term Care Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) should possess specific skills and qualifications to provide quality care to patients, including:

• Physical stamina to assist patients in their daily activities, which may include lifting, moving, or supporting patients.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with patients and their families, understanding their needs and concerns.
• Communication skills to effectively converse with patients, families, and healthcare teams, including conveying patient condition updates and care instructions.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy to administer patient medication, monitor vital signs, and accurately document patient information and progress.
• Empathy and compassion for patients to provide emotional support and improve patient well-being, especially in long-term care situations.
• Problem-solving skills to effectively address patient needs, respond to emergencies, and provide necessary care under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
• Time management skills to ensure timely care for all assigned patients, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize patient needs.
• Knowledge of long-term patient care principles, medical terminology, and ethical guidelines to provide effective patient care.

 

Long-Term Care CNA Experience Requirements

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Long-Term Care are typically required to have at least six months to a year of experience in a healthcare setting.

This experience can often be gained through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home health care.

Most CNAs also receive formal training through a state-approved education program, which includes both classroom education and clinical training.

This is where they gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required to perform their duties in a long-term care setting.

Candidates with 1-2 years of experience working specifically in long-term care are often preferred.

These CNAs have typically developed the advanced skills needed to care for elderly or disabled patients, who may have more complex needs or medical conditions.

Those with over 3 years of experience may have developed leadership skills and can be considered for supervisory or training roles.

They may also have specialized experience in areas such as dementia care or physical rehabilitation.

It’s worth noting that many employers also value soft skills like compassion, patience, and excellent communication, which are often developed over years of hands-on experience in the field.

 

Long-Term Care CNA Education and Training Requirements

Long-Term Care Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) typically require a high school diploma or GED equivalent as a basic requirement.

To become a CNA, individuals must then complete a state-approved CNA training program, which is often offered at community colleges, vocational schools or medical facilities.

These programs typically take 4-12 weeks to complete and include classroom instruction as well as clinical training under supervision.

Upon successful completion of the training program, individuals must pass a competency exam that tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The test often includes a written part and a skills part where candidates have to demonstrate certain patient care tasks.

After passing the exam, individuals are added to the state’s registry of nursing assistants.

Some states might require CNAs to pass a criminal background check as well.

To work in a long-term care facility, CNAs might need to complete additional training and earn a certification specifically in long-term care.

This training covers topics related to aging, rehabilitative care, and chronic diseases.

Continuing education is necessary to maintain the CNA certification and to stay updated with the latest practices and advancements in the healthcare field.

In addition to the formal education and training, a CNA should possess compassion, patience, strong communication skills, and physical stamina.

 

Long-Term Care CNA Salary Expectations

A Long-Term Care Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) earns an average salary of $29,660 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate based on the individual’s level of experience, location, and the specific long-term care facility they are employed in.

 

Long-Term Care CNA Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Long-Term Care CNA need?

A Long-Term Care Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) needs to have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills as they will be interacting with patients and their families on a daily basis.

They should also have a strong physical stamina as the job often involves lifting and assisting patients.

They must also be detail-oriented to monitor and report changes in a patient’s condition, and have the emotional resilience to cope with the physical and emotional demands of the job.

 

What kind of training does a Long-Term Care CNA need?

To become a Long-Term Care CNA, one must complete a state-approved education program and pass a competency exam.

Most programs can be completed within 4 to 12 weeks and cover basic nursing principles along with practical skills training.

After completing the program, candidates must pass an examination to become certified.

 

What should you look for in a Long-Term Care CNA resume?

When reviewing a Long-Term Care CNA resume, look for a state CNA certification and relevant experience in a long-term care setting.

Also, look for skills like patient care, vital signs monitoring, first aid and CPR, infection control, and documentation.

Additionally, any experience with specific patient populations like dementia or Alzheimer’s patients can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Long-Term Care CNA?

A good Long-Term Care CNA is patient, empathetic, and has a genuine passion for helping others.

They should be able to handle stressful situations and make patients feel comfortable and safe.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills are also important as they often work with a team of healthcare providers.

They should also be physically fit to assist with patient mobility.

 

Is it difficult to hire Long-Term Care CNAs?

Hiring Long-Term Care CNAs can be challenging due to the high physical and emotional demands of the job.

It requires finding individuals with a genuine passion for patient care, as well as the necessary training and certification.

High turnover in the industry can also make it more difficult to retain qualified staff.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly entails to be a Long-Term Care Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing basic care to patients.

It’s about making a real difference in the lives of individuals who need it the most, one day at a time.

With our standard Long-Term Care CNA job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

But why end your journey here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every day in a Long-Term Care CNA’s life contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s make that difference. Together.

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