Nursing Assistant- Inpatient Psychiatry Unit

Summary Under the direction of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) the intermediate the Nursing Assistant (NA) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the RN and the LVN in the care of patients.
The incumbent functions as NA, under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher grade NA and other health care professionals and is directed by the RN and/or LVN in the delivery of care of patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant include but are not limited to the following: Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care based on physical, psychological, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patient served in their assigned area.
Provides patient monitoring, observation, and documentation (such as vital signs, I's & O's, meals, obtaining patient weight, etc.)
Provides input to colleagues, Team Leader/Charge Nurse for making assignments for the incoming tour.
Listens attentively to reports and SBAR notes pertinent items and asks for clarification when unsure of content.
Formulates work schedule based on prioritization of patient care needs Responds to all safety alarms, rapid responses, and codes on the unit/area assigned.
Will facilitate as a sitter for patients endorsing SI, HI, wheelchair use, or medical monitoring.
Assist patients with ADLs and meals as required, maintaining as much independence as possible.
Preserves patient safety confidentiality and patient/family/significant other's rights, assists the multidisciplinary team with resolving ethical issues, and immediately reports observations and knowledge of abuse or neglect of patients and loss or damage of government property.
Performs procedures and treatments according to the orientation procedures for assigned patients or assists with the delivery of procedures/treatments for a team of patients, in an organized and timely manner per established policy and practice, seeking guidance when necessary.
Assist patients in keeping physically and socially active and maintaining peer group interactions.
Assists with the ambulation of patients to promote rehabilitative and restorative nursing care.
Assist patients in coping with loss (e.g., hearing, vision, body parts, or death of significant others).
Provides respectful care that maintains individuality, dignity, and self-esteem for residents in an environment that focuses on their care needs and quality of life.
Practices universal precautions, infection control techniques, and safe medical waste disposal Use of equipment safely and using proper body mechanics.
Recognizes medical/behavioral changes and initiates appropriate intervention requests as necessary The Nursing Assistant is alert to patients' possible physical acting out behavior and protects themself and others from physical harm.
Assist with admissions, discharges, transfers, and death procedures.
Assist with transporting patients to procedures, between wards, and at discharge.
Duties require extensive standing and walking, bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, pulling, and similar activities using safe patient handling techniques.
Performs Environmental safety rounds in the milieu to ensure unit/patient rooms are safe.
(Halls are clear, no broken equipment, beds in the low locked position, no tripping hazards, and no restricted contraband kept in patient rooms).
Work Schedule: Full-Time/ 12hr shifts.
1830-0700 (nights).
Tour subject to change depending on the needs of facility.
Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
One year above high school with courses related to the [NA] occupation.
Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year [ ] as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.
Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience.
Less than one year of specialized experience as a [NA] or experience in another medical field, performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR, Education.
Successful completion of high school diploma or a GED.
AND Demonstrated KSAs:1.Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.2.Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
3.Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc.4.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals.
Education: One year above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant.
GS-4: Experience.
One year of specialized experience as a [NA] or experience equivalent to the GS-3 , performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR, Education.
Successful completion of high school diploma or a GED.
AND Demonstrated KSAs:1.
Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.2.Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
3.Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc.4.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals.
Education: One year above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant.
GS-5: Experience.
One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs OR, Education.
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND Demonstrated KSAs1.
Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse.2.
Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel.
This includes serving as a preceptor to new [NAs] by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting.3.
Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance.
For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.
Preferred Experience: 1+ years of inpatient acute psychiatric experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-5.
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs.
and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 pounds); Straight Pulling; Pushing; Reaching above Shoulder; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing aid (permitted); Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Depth perception; Both eyes required; Both legs required; Use of fingers and both hands required.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.
Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.
For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.