Nursing Assistant (Restorative CNA) – Per Diem, Day Shift

Job Title: Nursing Assistant

Location: Mountainside (MTN)

Department Name: Long Term Care Therapy

Req #: 0000271906

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $24.87 - $29.84 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

At RWJBarnabas Health, our Nursing Assistants play an essential role in helping patients achieve and maintain their highest possible level of independence, mobility, and functional ability. As a Restorative Nursing Assistant supporting Long-Term Care Therapy at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, you'll combine hands-on patient care, restorative nursing techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration to support children and young adults with complex medical, developmental, and rehabilitation needs. From assisting with mobility exercises and adaptive equipment to reinforcing individualized restorative care plans, you'll help patients maintain functional abilities and improve their quality of life. Working closely with nursing professionals, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, you'll contribute to a supportive environment focused on patient safety, rehabilitation progress, and compassionate, family-centered care.

As a Restorative Nursing Assistant (CNA), a typical day may include:

• Providing direct restorative nursing care in accordance with individualized patient care plans and established clinical guidelines

• Assisting patients with passive and active range-of-motion exercises, ambulation, positioning, and mobility activities to support functional independence

• Supporting the use of adaptive equipment, assistive standing devices, splints, feeding devices, and other therapeutic tools as directed by nursing and rehabilitation professionals

• Reinforcing activities of daily living (ADL) training, restorative dining, bladder retraining, and oral stimulation programs to support individualized rehabilitation goals

• Collaborating with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and nursing professionals to implement established restorative care programs

• Monitoring patient participation, functional progress, and changes in abilities while communicating concerns or improvements to the Nurse Manager and rehabilitation team

• Maintaining accurate daily documentation of restorative nursing activities, patient participation, and care provided

• Coaching and assisting Certified Nursing Assistants with restorative techniques, including positioning, ambulation, range-of-motion exercises, splint care, and adaptive equipment use

• Ensuring patients have access to recommended adaptive equipment and reporting missing, damaged, or malfunctioning supplies to the appropriate personnel

• Participating in interdisciplinary discussions and routine meetings with the Nurse Manager and Long-Term Care Therapy Coordinator to support individualized care planning

• Providing input and recommendations to nursing and therapy professionals regarding restorative care approaches that promote patient safety, comfort, and functional progress

• Supporting staff orientation, education, and professional development by serving as a resource and mentor in restorative nursing practices

This role might be for you if:

• Helping children and young adults maintain or improve mobility, independence, and functional abilities is a meaningful part of your professional interests

• A strong foundation in direct patient care supports your ability to provide safe, compassionate, and individualized restorative nursing services

• Knowledge of restorative nursing principles and techniques allows you to assist patients with mobility, positioning, therapeutic exercises, and activities of daily living

• Collaborating with nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists is one of your strengths

• Supporting patients through individualized rehabilitation programs and celebrating their functional progress is a responsibility you find rewarding

• Experience with adaptive equipment, assistive standing devices, splints, and mobility aids contributes to your approach to restorative care

• Strong observation and communication skills allow you to recognize changes in patient abilities and promptly share concerns with the appropriate healthcare professionals

• Coaching, mentoring, and supporting fellow nursing assistants in restorative care techniques aligns with your professional strengths

• Organization, attention to detail, and accurate documentation help you maintain consistent, high-quality patient care

• Patience, empathy, and respect for individual patient needs guide your interactions with children, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams

• A collaborative mindset and willingness to learn support your ability to follow established restorative programs and incorporate guidance from nursing and therapy professionals

• A commitment to patient safety, professional accountability, and compassionate, family-centered care is reflected in your daily practice

To be considered for this Restorative Nursing Assistant opportunity, you must hold a current Long-Term Care Facility Nursing Assistant certification and be listed on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Certification is required. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of clinical Certified Nursing Assistant experience with consistently positive performance evaluations. Knowledge of and interest in long-term care patient needs, basic restorative nursing principles, and rehabilitation practices are essential, along with additional training in restorative nursing techniques and procedures. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong patient care, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and collaboration skills, with the ability to carry out individualized restorative programs under the direction of nursing and rehabilitation professionals. Candidates should be comfortable assisting with range-of-motion exercises, ambulation, positioning, activities of daily living, adaptive equipment, splint care, and other restorative nursing interventions. Additional training and direct supervision will be provided by Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy professionals to support competency in assigned restorative care responsibilities. The ability to mentor fellow nursing assistants, recognize changes in patient functional abilities, and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams is important. Candidates must also possess the physical stamina and ability to safely lift and move patients and objects while working in a pediatric inpatient care environment. A commitment to patient safety, professional accountability, and compassionate, culturally sensitive care is essential. This is a per diem, hourly, day shift opportunity supporting the Long-Term Care Therapy department at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, part of RWJBarnabas Health.