The Nursing Assistant position is located within the Atlanta VA Health Care System. Selected candidate will be working in the Inpatient Mental Health Unit.
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. English Language Proficiency. [NAs] must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 [NA] (Full Performance Level) (a) 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 in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) 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 (c) Demonstrated KSAs 1. 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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for [NAs]. [NAs] at this grade level 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. [NAs] at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.
Duties include but not limited to: Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for veterans, refers deviation to RN. Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e., behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and acts accordingly within the NA's assigned role. Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. Enters information about the patient's condition in the chart, utilizing appropriate formats. Responds appropriately to subtle patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personal. 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, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, apply topical creams (nonpharmacy dispensed), collect standard specimens: stool, urine and sputum, perform bladder scan, perform MRSA swabs, and monitoring of such devices. Recognizes the residents' autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment. Verbally provides patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in the veteran/residents' plan of care, participates in treatment team meetings for patient care planning. Participates in admissions, transfers, escorting Veterans to appointments and therapies, discharges and contributing to the formulation of treatment goals. Serves as preceptor and mentor to other NAs. Serves as the unit safe patient handling liaison. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the patient. Provides continuous and close observation monitoring including tele-sitter support for Veterans requiring close or continuous observation. Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties. Participates in the use of Restraint and Seclusion (R/S), including proper use of and application of R/S; 1:1 observation and documentation on the behavioral R/S flow sheet; release from R/S and QSV/Nursing Service R/S monitor/ review. Conducts and documents safety rounds/ environmental rounds per procedure as assigned with an understanding of the importance of monitoring the environment on a continuous basis and reporting all actual or potential hazards per policy. Appropriately initiates basic life support, takes actions appropriate action. Knowledge and skill sufficient to participate effectively in emergency situations such as Code 44 Blue, Code Orange, Code Blue, internal disasters, etc. Complies with health, safety and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Supports the health care team through the reinforcement of patient education. Work Schedule: Compressed tour, with holidays and weekends rotation. Shift will be determined by the applicable supervisor. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55298F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized