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Certified Nursing Assistant - Medical Surgical Unit

SSM Health · WI · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 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

Tell me about a time you comforted a patient who was scared or in pain.

What they are checking: Whether they offer the small moments of comfort and reassurance the posting describes.

This is a night shift role at 32 hours a week. How do you stay alert and helpful on nights?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay focused and keep up rounds while patients sleep.

Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult coworker. How did you make it work?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay professional and keep patient care first even when there's tension.

What would you do

A post-op patient says they want to get up and walk to the bathroom alone, but they're unsteady. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they keep the patient safe from falls while still respecting their wish to move.

You have several call lights on at once. How do you decide who to help first?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize safety needs and let the nurse know when they can't get to everyone.

A patient asks you a question about their medication. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they know the limits of their role and pass medical questions to the nurse.

About the work

Walk me through how you take a full set of vital signs, and which results you would report right away.

What they are checking: Whether they measure vitals correctly and know when a number needs the nurse's attention now.

How do you take an assignment from the nurse and let them know when something changes with a patient?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly with the RN in charge about patient changes.

How do you help prevent pressure injuries for patients who stay in bed?

What they are checking: Whether they turn patients on schedule and report any skin changes.

How do you measure and record intake and output accurately?

What they are checking: Whether they understand why accurate I&O matters for post-op and fluid-sensitive patients.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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: Medical Surgical Unit Schedule: Full-time scheduled 32 hours a week 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 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: 1001000007 Medical/Surgical (3SW) Scheduled Weekly Hours: 32 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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