Nursing Assistant - Mental Health

Nursing Assistants function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties: The NA functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists lower graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. a. Clinical Skills Completes all care assignments in a safe and timely manner. Actively participates in unit level quality improvement activities and attends huddles, team meetings, and assigned committees. Completes applicable documentation per policy to include but not limited to Intake/Output, daily weights, vital signs, pain score, hourly rounding, blood glucose testing with accurate comment for notification. Uses the appropriate equipment for safe patient handling to include but not limited to: SCDs, bladder scanner, Bucks tractions, lift equipment, CPM, glucometer to include maintenance of quality controls as applicable. Adheres to all reusable medical equipment (RME) standard operating procedures. Participates in the equipment inventory process. Implements the appropriate interventions to prevent/reduce hospital acquired pressure ulcers and patient falls under the direction of the RN/LVN. Performs nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures, but not limited to catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices. May assist with surgical skin preparation to include hair clipping and holding limbs. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the Veteran. Maintains BLS certification and demonstrates proper procedure in initiating CPR. Transports patients safely and professionally as assigned using hand off communication tool. Transports medication, supplies, equipment, blood and specimens and any other transport needs as directed. Monitors patients according to levels of observation i.e., 1:1 veteran as well as veterans in a close observation status in accordance with facility polies. Age differences - delivers nursing care that reflects the various phases of the life cycle from 18 to 85 years and over. Performs other tasks requested by the RN/LVN or primary care provider. Provides assistance with coordination of daily activities under the direction of RN/LVN. Provides assistance to all levels of clinical and non-clinical staff when warranted and within level of competence and scope of practice as indicated within the unit specific competencies. b. Emergency Intervention: Apply knowledge of effective verbal interactions and preventative tactics, such as the use of the least restrictive environment, when confronted by aggressive, potentially assaultive, disruptive, confused and elopement risk patients. Utilize knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when assisting with patient care. Recognize and initiate life saving measures timely and appropriately in the absence of other members of the healthcare team. Participate in the planning and/or implementation of various codes and emergency management procedures. c. Patient Education and Planned Activities: Participates in group meetings to help patients share feelings, improve socialization skills, and enhance their self-esteem. Work Schedule: rotating tours to include nights, weekends and holidays Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Ad-hoc only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-03: 54768F; GS-04: 54769F; GS-05: 54770F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.