Certified Nurse Assistant

Title: Certified Nurse Assistant Practice: Oral Surgery Implant Specialist Location: Dakota Dunes, SD Hours: Monday - Wednesday 8:00am - 5:00pm Thursday - Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm Position Purpose: The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) supports safe, efficient, and compassionate patient care within a fast-paced oral surgery environment. Working under the direction of licensed clinical staff, the CNA assists with pre- and post-operative patient care, vital signs, patient flow, treatment room preparation, and recovery support. This position also supports sterilization and infection-control processes, including instrument processing, operatory turnover, and maintaining clean, organized, and properly stocked clinical areas. Essential Functions Patient Care & Oral Surgery Support Prepare and escort patients for oral surgery procedures and assist with positioning and comfort. Obtain and document vital signs before and after procedures and promptly communicate concerns to appropriate clinical staff. Review and confirm required patient documentation and assist with pre- and post-operative instructions under the direction of clinical staff. Support patients during the recovery process, including monitoring comfort, assisting with mobility, and maintaining a safe recovery environment. Assist surgeons, surgical assistants, and other clinical team members with non-licensed clinical support duties as permitted by applicable state regulations. Maintain accurate and timely patient documentation within the electronic health record (EHR). Support efficient patient flow throughout treatment and recovery areas. Sterilization & Infection Control Clean, disinfect, and prepare operatories between patients in accordance with established infection-control protocols. Collect, transport, clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize surgical instruments according to practice protocols and manufacturer instructions. Operate sterilization equipment and assist with required sterilization monitoring, documentation, and quality-control processes. Inspect instruments for cleanliness and integrity and organize sterile instruments for clinical use. Maintain appropriate separation of contaminated, clean, and sterile areas to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Maintain adequate levels of sterile instruments, surgical supplies, PPE, and other clinical materials. Follow OSHA, infection-control, bloodborne pathogen, sharps safety, and hazardous-material handling requirements. Clinical Operations & Team Support Prepare treatment and recovery rooms with necessary instruments, supplies, and equipment. Assist with room turnover and ensure clinical areas remain clean, organized, stocked, and ready for patient care. Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply or equipment needs to appropriate team members. Assist with routine equipment readiness and safety checks. Collaborate with surgeons, surgical assistants, nursing staff, and administrative team members to support an efficient clinical workflow. Participate in required training, safety programs, and continuing education. Qualifications Education & Certification High School Diploma or equivalent required. Completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program required. Active CNA certification in good standing required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or ability to obtain within the designated timeframe. Experience Previous experience in an oral surgery, dental, surgical, outpatient, or other clinical healthcare setting preferred. Previous experience with instrument sterilization, infection control, or surgical environment protocols preferred; training may be provided. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, instrument processing, and sterile technique preferred. Performance Requirements Knowledge of basic patient care, infection prevention, and safety practices. Ability to learn and consistently follow oral surgery sterilization and instrument-processing protocol…