Certified Nurse Assistant

Title: Certified Nurse Assistant 
Practice: Oral Surgery Implant Specialist 
Location: Dakota Dunes, SD
Hours: 

Position Purpose:

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) supports safe, efficient, and compassionate patient care within a fast-paced oral surgery environment. Working under the direction of licensed clinical staff, the CNA assists with pre- and post-operative patient care, vital signs, patient flow, treatment room preparation, and recovery support. This position also supports sterilization and infection-control processes, including instrument processing, operatory turnover, and maintaining clean, organized, and properly stocked clinical areas.

Essential Functions

• Patient Care & Oral Surgery Support
• Prepare and escort patients for oral surgery procedures and assist with positioning and comfort.
• Obtain and document vital signs before and after procedures and promptly communicate concerns to appropriate clinical staff.
• Review and confirm required patient documentation and assist with pre- and post-operative instructions under the direction of clinical staff.
• Support patients during the recovery process, including monitoring comfort, assisting with mobility, and maintaining a safe recovery environment.
• Assist surgeons, surgical assistants, and other clinical team members with non-licensed clinical support duties as permitted by applicable state regulations.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient documentation within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Support efficient patient flow throughout treatment and recovery areas.

Sterilization & Infection Control

• Clean, disinfect, and prepare operatories between patients in accordance with established infection-control protocols.
• Collect, transport, clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize surgical instruments according to practice protocols and manufacturer instructions.
• Operate sterilization equipment and assist with required sterilization monitoring, documentation, and quality-control processes.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness and integrity and organize sterile instruments for clinical use.
• Maintain appropriate separation of contaminated, clean, and sterile areas to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Maintain adequate levels of sterile instruments, surgical supplies, PPE, and other clinical materials.
• Follow OSHA, infection-control, bloodborne pathogen, sharps safety, and hazardous-material handling requirements.

Clinical Operations & Team Support

• Prepare treatment and recovery rooms with necessary instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with room turnover and ensure clinical areas remain clean, organized, stocked, and ready for patient care.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply or equipment needs to appropriate team members.
• Assist with routine equipment readiness and safety checks.
• Collaborate with surgeons, surgical assistants, nursing staff, and administrative team members to support an efficient clinical workflow.
• Participate in required training, safety programs, and continuing education.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program required.
• Active CNA certification in good standing required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or ability to obtain within the designated timeframe.

Experience

• Previous experience in an oral surgery, dental, surgical, outpatient, or other clinical healthcare setting preferred.
• Previous experience with instrument sterilization, infection control, or surgical environment protocols preferred; training may be provided.
• Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, instrument processing, and sterile technique preferred.

Performance Requirements

• Knowledge of basic patient care, infection prevention, and safety practices.
• Ability to learn and consistently follow oral surgery sterilization and instrument-processing protocols.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when handling surgical instruments and maintaining sterile environments.
• Ability to remain organized and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced surgical setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a compassionate, patient-focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively with surgeons, surgical assistants, nursing staff, and administrative team members.
• Dependable, adaptable, and committed to maintaining high standards of patient safety and clinical care.

• We offer Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans to our full-time employees.
• Two out of the three medical plans offered include Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility.
• Company-paid Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Additional Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance for you and your family!
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance available to you as well
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) offered.
• Immediately begin saving for retirement through our 401(k) starting with very first paycheck!
• Employer 401(k) contribution and Profit Sharing after six months of employment
• PTO and 8 Paid holidays for fulltime employees!

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work.  This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  OPS’s management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.