Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives?
Starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Kensington Park can be the perfect stepping stone towards advancing to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) roles.
At Kensington Park, CNAs, LPNs, and RNs collaborate in our senior living community and deliver compassionate care in our assisted living and memory care units.
This integrated approach ensures that our residents receive the highest level of care while our team members grow their skills and careers in a supportive environment.
Ready to start your journey with us? Explore our job openings and find where you fit into our caregiving family.
What does a CNA do in senior living?
At Kensington Park, our CNAs, known as Care Partners, are central to our commitment to providing top-tier care.
These dedicated team members are the hands-on professionals who help our residents with their day-to-day activities, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
They are truly the face of our community, fostering a sense of home and belonging through their daily interactions.
Care Partners are responsible for a range of supportive duties that significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents.
They work across our community, adapting their care to meet the unique needs of each individual. This role is perfect for those passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors.
Caregiving responsibilities include:
- Assisting with personal grooming, such as brushing teeth and hair, dressing, and nail care
- Helping residents move safely around the facility, including transfers to and from wheelchairs
- Providing support with eating and ensuring dietary needs are met
- Maintaining clean and comfortable living spaces
- Monitoring and documenting residents’ health status and changes
- Engaging residents in activities and social events to enrich their daily lives
- Ensuring the dignity of each resident is maintained at all times
Training and certification: pathways to becoming a caregiver
In Maryland, becoming a caregiver, specifically a CNA, involves completing a state-approved education program and passing the competency exam.
These programs cover essential skills such as basic nursing care, body mechanics, nutrition, and more, preparing you for the diverse needs of senior residents.
Key steps to CNA certification include:
- Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program, which typically includes classroom learning and clinical experience.
- Pass the Maryland Nurse Aide Exam, which tests your theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Once certified, register with the Maryland Board of Nursing to be officially recognized as a CNA.
- Engage in ongoing training and education to maintain certification and stay updated on best care practices.
Beyond the basics: Exploring roles for LPNs and RNs in senior care
At Kensington Park, we celebrate the diversity of roles contributing to our caregiving and nursing team, each with distinct responsibilities and skills.
CNAs responsibilities
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), referred to here as Care Partners, are the frontline providers of daily care.
They interact closely with residents to assist with personal needs like bathing, dressing, and mobility. They are often the familiar faces that residents grow to trust and rely on daily.
LPNs responsibilities
In contrast, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a supervisory role, managing medication administration, coordinating with doctors, and overseeing the direct care provided by CNAs.
They ensure that health care plans are meticulously followed and adapted as residents’ needs evolve.
RNs responsibilities
Registered Nurses (RNs), including RN Supervisors and Assessment Nurses, offer higher medical oversight.
They conduct comprehensive assessments, develop detailed care plans, and manage complex health issues, ensuring that each resident’s medical needs are met comprehensively.
Summary of responsibilities:
- CNAs: Hands-on assistance with daily activities, personal care, and resident engagement.
- LPNs: Medication management, care coordination, and health monitoring.
- RNs: Health assessments, care planning, and clinical oversight.
Learn more about Kensington Park’s CNA, HHA, and PCA Training Programs
Applying for a position: Tips for new caregiver success
If you’re looking for a caregiving role at Kensington Park Senior Living, such as a Care Partner (CNA) or Nurse (RN or LPN), you’ll likely experience a group interview.
This setup helps gauge how well you work in a team, a key aspect of caregiving. Here’s how to prepare for success:
- Learn About Kensington Park: Familiarize yourself with its mission and values to tailor your answers and show that you’re a cultural fit.
- Practice common questions: Prepare yourself for typical senior care scenarios to display your caregiving skills.
- Come with questions: Asking about the community and specific role shows you’re genuinely interested.
- Expect interactive exercises: Group settings might involve role-playing to see your hands-on skills in action.
- Send a thank you note: A thoughtful follow-up after the interview can reinforce your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar.
These steps are designed to help you stand out in the interview and demonstrate your eagerness to make a positive impact on seniors’ lives.
The three-stepped interview process at Kensington Park
The interview process at Kensington Park Senior Living consists of three stages to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the candidate and the organization.
- The general interview: Where your fit for the role and alignment with the community’s values are evaluated.
- Preview a current team member: This allows you to observe the daily responsibilities firsthand and ask questions about the role, though direct involvement isn’t permitted.
- The offer interview: Where potential employment terms are discussed and the job offer is formally extended.
Career opportunities at Kensington Park
Kensington Park is actively seeking compassionate individuals to enhance our assisted living, independent living, and memory care neighborhoods.
If you have a heartfelt desire to support seniors and excel in a setting that values teamwork and effective communication, consider joining us.
We prioritize providing a nurturing environment for our residents and our team members, extending Our Promise to love and care for them as we do our own family.
Discover more about how you can contribute to our community.
Apply now for a career opportunity in caregiving at Kensington Park.