The Mental Health NA will provide care to wide variety of patients and will be required to cross train in all departments. The Mental Health NA may spend extended periods of time in one nursing unit to help balance off long-term absences (i.e., illness, holidays, maternity leave, etc.). While working within a nursing unit, the Mental Health NA acts as a patient advocate and facilitates communication between the patient, family, and other health care professionals. 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 [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. 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. 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-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level)Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Nursing Assistant Experience. One year of specialized experience as a [NA] or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), 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 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians; AND Demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Ability to observe patients/residents' or residents' physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 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. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level)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, 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 Demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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. 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81 PART II APPENDIX G46The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: 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. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. 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 patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019. ["***This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 7/28/2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis OR until positions are filled. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Nursing Assistant - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Nursing-Assistant-Career-Flyer.pdf Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: -Practices within the scope and certification of a NA and demonstrates consistent practice related to the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment. -Provides care and services to multiple populations served and admitted to the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment as determined by the patient/resident need for nursing care and services. -Provides care of patients/residents and their environment contributing to optimizing patient/resident outcomes as a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. -Provides direct patient/resident care in the provision of the psychological, physical, social, and cultural activities of daily living, complete and supportive. -Provides for the care of patients/residents with dignity and continuous consideration of the individuals emotional needs. -Provides reporting, communication, and documentation in the computerized patient record system with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. -Maintains certification, BLS, and currency in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, the RMRVA, VISN and National Agencies. -The NA demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, application of technical standards, and performance of administrative support duties. -Demonstrates competency in all entry level NA skills including but not limited to: Foley catheter care, application of sequential compression device, oral/pharyngeal suction, care of a gastrostomy site, rectal suppositories for bowel care only, tap water/soap or fleets enemas for bowel care, application of hygiene products, infection prevention, patient mobility, continuous passive motion device, feeding of patients/residents with dysphagia, use of bladder scanner, care of patients with C-PAP, care of patients with peripheral IVs. -The NA demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with standard operating procedures for the maintenance of reusable medical equipment. -The NA participates in Medical Center activities and demonstrates skills and behaviors that provide and promote positive internal and external customer relationships. -The NA attends unit level and Medical Center meetings and develops as an employee to support committee participation. -The NA maintains patient/resident safety standards assuring patient /resident privacy, patient/resident physical safety, and patient/resident psychological safety. -The NA establishes working relationships with multi-disciplinary and multi-level members of the work team promoting the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of the working environment for all team members. -The NA aids and support to the Registered Nurse and/or provider within the scope of the NA certification/grade and consistent with Medical Center policy .-The NA demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide care and services consistent with Infection Control Standards of Practice providing optimal outcomes for patients, residents, visitors, and employees. Work Schedule: Various, Sunday-Saturday including weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 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) Functional Statement #: 56345,56355,563560O Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results