Job Description

Nurse Aide Student (CNA Student)

Department: Healthcare

Community: Sunnyside – Harrisonburg

Reports to: Staff Development Coordinator

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Interested in Becoming a State-Licensed CNA?

Sunnyside Retirement Community is seeking individuals to participate in our paid Nurse Aide Training (NAT) program. This is an opportunity to begin a career in healthcare while making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.

The Nurse Aide Student will learn and develop nursing assistant skills while providing compassionate, person-centered support to residents.

What You’ll Do

• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, dining, mobility, and oral hygiene.
• Promote resident dignity, independence, privacy, choice, and quality of life.
• Assist with transfers, repositioning, lifting, and mobility using approved techniques.
• Observe residents for changes in condition and promptly communicate concerns to nursing staff.
• Measure and document vital signs and resident care accurately.
• Respond to resident needs and call lights in a timely and respectful manner.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized resident areas.
• Work collaboratively with nurses, coworkers, residents, families, and other members of the care team.
• Safely use resident care equipment and follow all infection-control and safety procedures.

Training & Program Requirements

• Successfully complete Sunnyside’s Nurse Aide Training Program, including required classroom instruction, skills training, validations, and competency assessments.
• Perfect attendance is required during the CNA class.
• Complete orientation and training with an assigned CNA mentor.
• Successfully complete the full program and pass the required written and skills examinations.
• Obtain Virginia Certified Nursing Assistant licensure within 120 days of employment. Up to three exam attempts may be completed during this period.
• Obtain CPR/BLS certification within 90 days of hire if not already certified.
• Remain employed with Sunnyside for at least one year following completion of the program.
• Be at least 18 years of age.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate:

• Has a genuine interest in caring for older adults.
• Demonstrates compassion, patience, professionalism, and respect.
• Communicates effectively with residents, families, visitors, and team members.
• Works well as part of a team and can follow written and verbal instructions.
• Is dependable, organized, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Is committed to providing excellent, person-centered service.

Employment Screening

Employment and participation in the program are contingent upon satisfactory completion of required onboarding and screening, which may include:

• Employment references
• State and national background checks
• Sex offender and OIG checks
• Drug screening
• TB screening
• New-hire orientation

Physical & Work Environment

This position is performed in a residential-style healthcare environment. The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting. Employees may frequently lift or move items weighing up to 60 pounds and occasionally more than 60 pounds. The position may involve exposure to blood and bodily fluids; established infection-control practices and Universal Precautions must be followed.

Why Sunnyside?

Mission: Inspiring a Spirit of Community and Well-Being

Our employees SHINE in everything they do:

• Service before Self
• Hospitality with Heart
• Inspiring Excellence in Each Other
• Nothing Less than the Best
• Enjoy Your Journey

Employee Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career opportunity, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:

• Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Choice of 3 Medical Plans, including an HSA option
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Supplemental Life, Accident & Cancer Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Uniform Reimbursement
• License Reimbursement
• MD Ortho – Free Telemedicine & Direct Orthopedic Services
• Garner Health – Expert Doctor Matching & Healthcare Savings
• Free Membership to Our On-Site Wellness Center
• On-Site Credit Union
• On-Site Hair Salon
• On-Site Massage Therapy & Esthetician Services
• Discounted Movie Tickets
• Employee Emergency Relief Fund
• Employee Assistance Program

Sunnyside pays for the CNA training program, and spots are limited. Selected applicants will be contacted by Human Resources using the contact information provided on their application. Please monitor your email and voicemail regularly.

Both current Sunnyside employees in good standing and external applicants are encouraged to apply. Current employees must have been employed with Sunnyside for at least six months.

Class dates and times vary by program and will be provided to selected applicants.