This position is located at the Salisbury VA Medical Center within the Mental Health Service Line. The Nursing Assistant (NA) will be assigned to the Inpatient Psychiatry/Behavioral Health Unit. This is the full performance level for a Nursing Assistant. The Nursing Assistant at this grade level functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists licensed nursing staff in the care of patients receiving inpatient psychiatric care, who are in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness.

Duties

As a Nursing Assistant at the full performance level, the patient assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. The NA at this level will assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. The duties include but are not limited to: Assists the Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse in the provision of patient care by meeting the patient's nursing needs. In all patient interactions, the nursing assistants respect the integrity and dignity of the individual patient. Provides a range of Veteran care and contributes to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of the Veteran. Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with all patients. Observes physical and emotional status and refers deviations and/or problems to the assigned nurse in a timely manner. Maintains and monitors for a safe environment for patients and staff, by conducting environmental care rounds, observing visitation and completing belonging/room searches when clinically indicated. Communicates in a therapeutic and professional manner with all internal/external customers. Leads/Co-leads nurse-led groups. Transports patients to/from appointments. Conducts belongings search upon patient's admission to the unit, return from appointments and when clinically indicated. Responsible for maintaining PMDB training and utilizing PMDB principles and techniques when necessary. Responds to Code Red when assigned and assist as directed. Responsible for maintaining BLS and initiating and responding to emergency codes. Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with restraint and seclusion memorandum and procedures. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and verbal patient/employee information. Demonstrates working practices that include adherence to infection Control Standards as well as the safe use and operation of equipment. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Various Tours of Duty Night shift receives 10%-night differential, 25%-weekend differential, and 35%-night and weekend differential Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• 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

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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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 knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 resident's 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 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; 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 knowledge, skills, abilities: 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. Preferred Experience: The preferred candidate will have prior experience in an Inpatient Psychiatry/Behavioral Health setting and/or an educational background in Behavioral Health/Psychology or related fields. 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: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling and pushing, (3 hours), reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (8 hours), standing (3.5 hours), kneeling (0.5 hours), repeated bending (1 hour), depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors, and hearing (aid permitted).

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address WG Bill Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144 US
• Name: Kimberly Gray
• Phone: (980) 401-2549
• Email: [email protected]