Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

About the Role

As a Certified Nurse Assistant at Howard University Hospital, you will work under the direction of professional Nursing staff to deliver compassionate, hands-on care to patients across our units. You'll be a vital part of the care team — supporting patients' comfort, safety, and dignity while helping ensure a smooth, well-organized unit. As part of our Float Pool, you'll bring your skills wherever they're needed most.

What You'll Do

• Assist with patient admissions and discharges, including room orientation, bed preparation, obtaining specimens, processing valuables, and restocking patient rooms.
• Record and report observations of patients' conditions, the care provided, and patients' responses; notify the team leader or charge nurse of changes or abnormalities.
• Perform nursing care activities per established guidelines — vital signs, intake and output, non-sterile dressings, specimen collection, ambulating, turning, positioning, and transporting patients.
• Provide personal hygiene and comfort care, including grooming, bed making, and tidying the patient environment; assist with acute and intensive care needs and assistive devices.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, taking responsibility for patients' overall satisfaction, safety, comfort, and well-being.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, including cleaning patient-care equipment.
• Transport and assist with the placement and assembly of patient-care equipment.
• Attend and participate in unit, departmental, hospital, and community educational programs and committees.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED) and satisfactory completion of a Nursing Assistant training program.
• Six months or more of experience as a Nursing Assistant or nursing technician.
• Current District of Columbia Nursing Assistant Certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Ability to perform basic nursing skills, including attending to the personal hygiene and dietary needs of patients.
• Ability to use patient-care equipment safely and effectively (e.g., pulse oximeter, sequential compression devices, monitors).
• Good written and verbal communication skills and basic math; ability to follow detailed verbal and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, physicians, Hospital and University officials, and the public.
• Ability to work independently and handle a fast-paced, multi-task environment with strong attention to detail.

Position Details

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $19.00 – $30.40/hr, in accordance with the applicable CBA wage schedule and based on experience and qualifications.

About Howard University Hospital

Founded in 1862 as Freedmen's Hospital, Howard University Hospital is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. As a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center, we are committed to delivering patient-centered, culturally responsive care to the communities we serve, while training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition remission (up to two courses per semester)
• A mission-driven environment dedicated to patient-centered, culturally responsive care

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: In an effort to improve patient safety, Howard University Hospital (HUH) supports a Just Culture. This atmosphere of accountability promotes the identification of human error (mistake), at-risk behavior (behavioral choice that increases risk), and reckless behavior (disregard for risk). The goal is to maintain a culture for learning, safe systems, and well-managed behavioral choices.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.