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Certified Nursing Assistant - Float

SSM Health · WI · Full time

Posted Sep 30, 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 is a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. night shift. How do you stay alert and safe during the quiet hours?

What they are checking: Whether they keep up rounding and safety checks at night, when falls and missed changes happen.

Tell me about a time you comforted a patient who was scared or confused at night.

What they are checking: Whether they offer reassurance and small kindnesses that make patients feel respected.

Tell me about a time you had to work with a team you didn't know well.

What they are checking: Whether they adapt and build trust quickly, which is the core of float work.

What would you do

As a float CNA in the resource pool, you might be on a different unit every night. How do you get your bearings at the start of a shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have a quick routine for meeting the RN, learning patient needs and finding supplies on an unfamiliar unit.

You've been floated to a unit you've never worked. A patient's needs are outside what you know how to do. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay within their competence and ask the RN, which matters most for float staff.

A confused patient keeps trying to climb out of bed. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they use fall prevention steps and alert the nurse rather than leaving or restraining.

About the work

What vital sign changes would you report to the nurse right away?

What they are checking: Whether they know which numbers are dangerous and will report instead of just writing them down.

How do you do hourly rounding with patients who are asleep?

What they are checking: Whether they balance safety checks with letting patients rest, and know what to look for quietly.

How do you document care when you're moving between units with different routines?

What they are checking: Whether they chart accurately and on time no matter the unit, since gaps are risky.

How do you protect yourself and the patient when helping with a transfer from bed to chair?

What they are checking: Whether they use gait belts, lifts and help, since injuries happen most during transfers.

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The full job description

As published by SSM Health.

It's more than a career, it's a calling WI-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison 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. In this role, you'll make a difference through the small moments that matter most. From providing hands-on care to offering comfort and reassurance, your support will help patients feel valued, respected, and cared for throughout their healthcare journey. If you're looking for a meaningful opportunity to positively impact lives while working alongside a dedicated team, this role is the perfect fit. Department: Resource Pool Schedule: Full-time; scheduled 36 hours a week as a rotating shift Apply today. SSM Health – We bring out the incredible in you, every day. 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 RN and/or LPN for analysis and validation of patient’s response to care or treatment and when significant change occurs in the patient’s condition. • Contributes to safety and quality care by 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. Utilizes time and supplies economically and conscientiously. • 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: Rotating Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: 8452000007 Resource Pool Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36 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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