At The Kensington Sierra Madre, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are the heartbeat of care. Their days blend medical precision with emotional connection, ensuring residents feel safe, supported, and loved.
For CNAs managing medications, this dual role adds an extra layer of trust and responsibility, one that transforms caregiving into a calling.
Our community’s philosophy is rooted in Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Each CNA who helps with medication administration does more than follow a routine; they bring calm, confidence, and care to every interaction, turning ordinary moments into meaningful ones.
Morning: Starting the Day with Purpose
The morning begins before breakfast, when CNAs greet residents by name and check on their comfort. For those who assist with medications, this first round often includes reviewing care plans, confirming prescriptions, and coordinating with nurses to ensure accurate dosing.
As one CNA describes it, “It’s not just about giving a pill, it’s about understanding how that medication fits into someone’s day, their mood, and their overall well-being.”
Each exchange matters. CNAs at The Kensington Sierra Madre approach every task with patience and respect, helping residents maintain autonomy and dignity.
These early interactions set a tone of trust and stability that carries through the entire day.
Midday: The Rhythm of Connection
Late morning and midday bring a mix of responsibilities such as assisting with meals, encouraging hydration, recording notes, and accompanying residents to activities or therapies.
For CNAs who manage medications, this time also includes mid-shift distribution and monitoring.
Medication management requires focus and collaboration. CNAs work closely with nurses to document timing, observe for side effects, and support residents emotionally, especially those adjusting to new regimens.
Time for purposeful connection
During meals or community activities, CNAs share laughter, listen to stories, and create small moments of joy that strengthen bonds.
As part of The Kensington Sierra Madre’s life enrichment programs, CNAs help residents participate safely in activities such as art therapy, music, and outdoor strolls, keeping both mind and body active.
Afternoon: Communication and Teamwork
Effective caregiving depends on communication. In the afternoon, CNAs who manage medications participate in shift handoffs and care huddles, ensuring each resident’s health status is updated across the team.
This collaboration includes nurses, life enrichment specialists, and culinary professionals, all focused on whole-person wellness.
This is an opportunity for CNAs to speak up about changes in behavior, appetite, or mobility that might signal a need for care plan adjustments.
This teamwork reflects the foundation of The Kensington Sierra Madre’s success: clinical excellence grounded in compassion.
Supporting Memory Care Residents with Sensitivity
For residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, medication routines can feel confusing. CNAs play a vital role in reducing anxiety through gentle reassurance and familiarity.
They explain each step with patience, sometimes using visual cues or calm tones to help residents understand.
The relationship built through consistent care allows CNAs to anticipate needs, comfort fears, and bring stability to moments that might otherwise feel uncertain.
Prioritizing Caregiver Mental Health as a CNA
To sustain this level of empathy and balance, CNAs and family caregivers alike benefit from prioritizing their own mental health.
The following is a list of ways for caregivers to relieve stress, as provided by the National Institute on Aging (NIA):
- Be active. Find something active that you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, gardening, or playing with a pet. Even short periods of exercise can be beneficial.
- Eat well. Work on having a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of healthy foods, and drink plenty of water every day.
- Prioritize sleep. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine and try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.
- Keep up with your own health. Make that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Tell your doctor you’re a caregiver, as they may be able to suggest resources.
This compassionate approach honors Our Promise, and reinforces that clinical skill and human connection are inseparable.
Balancing Clinical Accuracy and Emotional Care
Being a CNA with medication management responsibilities means mastering two essential qualities: precision and presence.
Every medication must be handled accurately, documented meticulously, and given safely. Yet, at The Kensington Sierra Madre, technical skill never overshadows empathy.
Our CNAs know that behind each chart is a person with stories, preferences, and needs. Whether helping with medications, mealtime, or simply listening, they treat every task as an act of care.
It’s this balance of medical diligence paired with emotional intelligence that defines caregiving excellence in our community.
Evening: Reflection and Reassurance
As the day winds down, CNAs prepare residents for evening routines, helping with dinner, medications, and transitions to rest. The final medication rounds are often accompanied by quiet conversation or moments of reassurance.
The pace slows, but the sense of purpose remains. Before the shift’s end, CNAs record detailed notes and communicate updates to the next team, ensuring seamless care continuity.
Each day concludes with the satisfaction of knowing that every action, from medication administration to a simple smile, contributed to someone’s comfort and confidence.
The Training Behind the Role
CNAs at The Kensington Sierra Madre receive specialized training in both clinical and relational care.
For those managing medications, this includes medication administration certifications and continued education to stay current with best practices.
Ongoing workshops and mentorship programs help CNAs grow professionally while deepening their understanding of dementia care and resident engagement.
Building a Culture of Support and Growth
The Kensington Sierra Madre’s culture thrives on teamwork, trust, and empathy. CNAs are supported by leadership that values collaboration, encourages learning, and celebrates dedication.
Regular team meetings, wellness resources, and open communication ensure caregivers never feel alone in their work. This environment fosters professional pride and personal well-being, a balance that benefits both team members and residents.
Why CNAs Love Working at The Kensington Sierra Madre
What makes this work special isn’t just the clinical excellence, it’s the relationships. CNAs develop deep bonds with residents, learning their histories, habits, and humor. Each day brings an opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone’s life.
As one caregiver puts it, “Here, love lives in the details. Whether you’re managing medications or holding someone’s hand, you feel that what you do matters.”
That shared purpose, where compassion meets expertise, is what makes The Kensington Sierra Madre more than a workplace. It’s a family.
FAQ: CNA Careers at The Kensington Sierra Madre
What does a CNA with medication management responsibilities do?
They assist residents with daily living activities while administering medications safely under clinical supervision.
What training is required?
CNAs must hold state certification and may complete additional training to become certified medication aides or techs.
Is experience with memory care required?
Not always. The Kensington Sierra Madre provides hands-on training and mentorship for new team members passionate about learning.
What’s the work environment like?
Supportive, team-driven, and resident-focused. CNAs collaborate closely with nurses and enrichment professionals.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes. Many CNAs grow into leadership or nursing roles through internal training and professional development programs.
Discover a Career That Feeds the Heart
Working as a CNA at The Kensington Sierra Madre means joining a team that values compassion as much as clinical skill.
Here, every medication administered and every conversation shared helps residents live with dignity, joy, and confidence.
Build a meaningful career where love truly lives, contact The Kensington Sierra Madre or visit our careers page to explore current opportunities.