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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

SSM Health · IL · $16.41–$24.62 an hour · Part time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role includes watching cardiac rhythms on a monitor with a high level of concentration. How do you stay focused on a screen for a long shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have real strategies to stay alert, since missing a rhythm change can cost a life.

We offer full on-the-job training. Tell me about a time you learned a brand-new skill quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they are coachable and willing to learn, since clinical experience is preferred but not required.

This is a weekend position, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with a holiday rotation. How does that schedule work for you?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably cover weekends, since weekend staff gaps are hard to fill.

Tell me about a time you had to care for a patient who was rude or uncooperative.

What they are checking: Whether they stay patient and respectful and don't take difficult behavior personally.

Why do you want to work on a cardiac stepdown and progressive care unit?

What they are checking: Whether they understand what the unit involves and have a real reason to be there.

What would you do

You notice a patient's heart rate on the monitor suddenly jump much higher than it was. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report changes right away to the nurse instead of waiting to see if it settles down.

A patient tells you they feel short of breath, but their vitals look okay to you. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they take patient complaints seriously and pass them to the nurse rather than judging on their own.

The nurse gives you three tasks and a patient asks you for help at the same moment. How do you decide what to do first?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize safety needs and communicate with the nurse when they can't get to everything.

About the work

How do you help a patient move or get out of bed safely when they're weak or unsteady?

What they are checking: Whether they use safe handling methods that protect both the patient and their own back.

How do you protect a patient's dignity during personal care like bathing or toileting?

What they are checking: Whether they practice privacy and respect in the small, daily ways that patients notice most.

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The full job description

As published by SSM Health.

It's more than a career, it's a calling IL-SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital - Mount Vernon Worker Type: Regular Job Highlights: Join a team where your work matters—every moment, every patient, every community. At SSM Health, you’ll be empowered to grow, supported to thrive, and inspired to make a lasting impact. Department: Cardiac Stepdown/Progressive care Schedule: Part-time Nights 7p-7a with every Third weekend rotation Apply today. SSM Health –We bring out the incredible in you, everyday. Pay Range: $16.41 - $24.62 Pay Rate Type: Hourly SSM Health values the skills and talents that each team member brings to our organization. Compensation for this role is based on a variety of components including relevant experience, labor market, and other qualifications. The posted pay range for this position is what SSM Health reasonably expects, in good faith, to offer based on the circumstances at the time of posting. SSM Health may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range as permitted by law. Job Summary: Assists in performing a variety of nursing care services for patients. Job Responsibilities and Requirements: PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Receives patient care assignment from the registered nurse (RN) in charge. Initiates delegated tasks based on demonstrated competence in performing nursing activities for specific patient age group served. • Collects and documents data for the admission assessment and reassessment at specific times for patient population. Documents and provides appropriate data to the licensed nurse for analysis and validation of patient’s response to care or treatment and when significant change occurs in the patient’s condition. • Relaying information via charting and communicating to team members. • Informs licensed nurse of any changes in patient condition/needs, of patient complaints, and of patient/significant other educational needs. • Answers patients’ calls for help, takes their vital signs, and monitors their behavior and physical condition for progress or deterioration. Assists with baths, ambulating, feeding, skin care, personal and oral hygiene and making occupied and unoccupied beds. Performs dressing changes, enemas, ostomy care, toileting, turning, cough and deep breathing, catheter care, collection of biological specimens, measuring and recording intake and output of fluids. • Prepares patients for discharge and accompanies them upon dismissal as indicated. • Stocks and maintains supplies and equipment in keeping with patient care needs and cost containment. • Assists with delegated clerical duties such as answering telephones, relaying messages, transcription of physician orders, preparing and organizing the patient's medical record. • Orients new patients and significant others to the nursing unit. • Performs mechanical and manual operation of equipment as recommended in user's manual, with ability to recognize common mechanical problems and initiate appropriate corrective action. • May perform point of care testing according to policies and procedures. • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. • Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION • Education equivalency for licensing EXPERIENCE • No experience required PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Constant standing and walking. • Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication. • Frequent use of hearing to distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc. • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs. • Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry. • Frequent use of vision for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors. • Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements. • Occasional use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships. • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs. • Occasional lifting/moving patients. • Occasional use of smell to detect/recognize odors. • Occasional driving. REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS State of Work Location: Illinois • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) - Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) State of Work Location: Missouri • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) - Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services State of Work Location: Oklahoma • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Advanced Unlicensed Assistant - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) • Or • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) - Oklahoma State Department of Health State of Work Location: Wisconsin • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry Work Shift: Night Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: 1003000046 Pat Rms 3200 CSU Scheduled Weekly Hours: 24 SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more.

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