Senior Care Nurse Aide- FT

Job Title: Nurse Aide -- Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit Location: Simpson General Hospital - Mendenhall, MS Status: Full-Time Reports To: RN Supervisor / Director of Nursing Position Summary The Nurse Aide provides direct patient care and support to older adults receiving treatment for behavioral health conditions, dementia-related behaviors, depression, anxiety, and other geriatric mental health needs. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Nurse Aide assists with daily living activities, promotes a safe and therapeutic environment, and helps maintain each patient's dignity, comfort, and emotional well-being. This position requires patience, empathy, excellent observation skills, and the ability to build trust with elderly patients who may experience confusion, memory loss, emotional distress, or behavioral challenges. Key Responsibilities Assist patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, and other activities of daily living. Provide therapeutic support and positive patient interaction throughout the shift. Monitor patients for behavioral, emotional, or cognitive changes and promptly report concerns to nursing staff. Assist with group activities, social engagement, and structured therapeutic programs. Maintain a safe environment by observing for fall risks, wandering behaviors, self-harm concerns, or escalating behaviors. Provide one-on-one observation and supervision when assigned. Support patients experiencing confusion, dementia-related behaviors, anxiety, depression, or emotional distress using appropriate de-escalation techniques. Assist with admissions, discharges, belongings inventory, and room preparation. Obtain and document vital signs, intake and output, and other assigned patient information. Assist with meal service, encourage nutritional intake, and provide feeding assistance when needed. Help transport patients to therapy sessions, diagnostic testing, physician appointments, or activities. Turn and reposition patients and assist with mobility needs to maintain comfort and prevent skin breakdown. Observe and report changes in physical condition, mood, behavior, cognition, appetite, sleep patterns, or social interaction. Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with hospital policies. Follow infection control, safety, and patient confidentiality standards at all times. Attend required training related to geriatric behavioral health, dementia care, patient safety, and crisis prevention. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education: High School Diploma or GED required Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) preferred Experience: Previous experience in healthcare, long-term care, behavioral health, dementia care, or senior care preferred Experience working with geriatric patients strongly preferred Required Skills & Traits Genuine compassion for older adults and individuals experiencing mental health challenges Patience and ability to remain calm during emotionally charged situations Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to recognize and report changes in behavior, mood, or cognitive status Understanding of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or behavioral health principles preferred Strong observation and documentation skills Dependable, professional, and team-oriented Ability to maintain confidentiality and patient dignity Ability to work independently while followi g established care plans Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds Ability to safely assist patients with transfers and mobility needs Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor patient safety and behavior Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations