Nursing Assistant-Mental Health

Full Job Description

The Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care.

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.

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.

Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. Physical Requirements. Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs.

and over); Straight pulling (up to 8 hours); Pushing (up to 8 hours); Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); kneeling (2 to 3 hours); repeated bending (up to 8 hours); both legs required; hearing (aid permitted).

English Language Proficiency: must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j.

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).

Grade Determinations: GS- 5 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 assignments -OR- 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.

In addition the above, applicant must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1 Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patient/resident 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 nursing assistants 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: Mental Health Substance Abuse or Correctional Facility Settings Previous Nursing Assistant 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 the GS 5.

Physical Requirements: It is VA policy to ensure that all selected applicants and employed personnel are physically, mentally and emotionally fit to perform the duties of the position to which assigned.

A pre-placement physical examination is required for all fulltime, part-time and intermittent employees identified by VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

The pre-placement physical examination shall be completed prior to appointment to determine the physical and mental fitness for candidates for appointment in VA.

The examination will be concerned with the mental and physical ability of the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the proposed assignment and will include requisite laboratory and other screening as required by Federal regulatory agencies.

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. This position requires that you are able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Transferring patients and objects may be required.

The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures.

The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on organizational needs.

Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual Influenza vaccination, TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Major Duties:

The Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care.

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.

The duties include but are not limited to: Provides direct care for complex veterans Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e.

behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and takes action accordingly within the NA's assigned role. Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms.

Responds appropriately to subtle patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personal. Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning.

Monitor and documents patient intake and output reports deviations timely and accurately.

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: enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices.

Works on small group activities with veterans/residents according to the patients/resident treatment plan.

Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties.

Appropriately initiates basic life support, takes actions appropriate action. Work Schedule: 1930-3200 and 2330-3200 Pay scale: V1MG Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 50824-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized