Certified Nurse Assistant

Title: Certified Nurse Assistant 
Practice: Oral Surgery Implant Specialist 
Location: Dakota Dunes, SD
Hours: 

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 protocols.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when handling surgical instruments and maintaining sterile environments.
• Ability to remain organized and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced surgical setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a compassionate, patient-focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively with surgeons, surgical assis