This position is located within Domiciliary for Substance Use Disorders (DOM-SUD), Nursing Service at the Main Campus Phoenix VA.

Duties

The Nursing Assistant (NA) functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents who are receiving care in the Domiciliary for Substance Use Disorders (DOM-SUD) which is a residential treatment program for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders. Assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. The NA contributes to activities which assist in meeting applicable performance measures including: Supports the operation of the domiciliary by providing direct patient care and administrative support to domiciliary patients. Contributes to the creation of a therapeutic environment with a supportive, recovery-based milieu. Assures patient compliance with health, safety, and sanitation directives as they pertain to living quarters, treatment areas, lounges, etc. Identifies safety hazards and takes steps to correct immediately. Takes vital signs, reports abnormal findings to the Charge Nurse. Modifies and directs patient behavior and assists in therapeutic rehabilitation programs as a member of a treatment team. Follows all safety procedures and wears PPE as appropriate. Monitors patients and documents patient data and information about his/her apparent health, behavior, functioning, and self-report information in the patient's consolidated medical record. Monitors and directs patients on matters relating to violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures established by the agency and the facility. Refers all medical or psychiatric problems and emergencies to the Charge Nurse. Adheres to rules of confidentiality and protects patient privacy as outlined by HIPAA Regulations and Standards. Conducts rounds per schedule, and follows up on patients reported or unaccounted for. Attends shift change report and actively uses established communication channels throughout the shift. Conducts building and domiciliary area searches for missing patients when required. Collects urine drug screens and collects breathalyzers for patients returning from authorized or unauthorized absence, and patients suspected of being intoxicated. Documents results and information in patient's medical record. Conducts walk-through rounds of patient living areas to resolve patient issues regarding safety, health, and hygiene. Conducts searches of patient locker, belongings, and furnishings per protocol, including when there is a reason to believe a patient has concealed a potentially harmful material or item including weapons, alcohol, and/or illicit drugs. Maintains situational and observational awareness at all times, reports abnormal patient or environmental concerns to the Charge Nurse. Work Schedule: 6:30pm-7:00am compressed tours, with rotating weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. The candidate must have one year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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. Nursing Assistants appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 Experience: This is the full performance level for Nursing Assistants. Nursing Assistants 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. Nursing Assistants at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. 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 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must 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 Nursing Assistants 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: Mental Health References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: N/A

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 Carl T Hayden Veterans' Administration Medical Center 650 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85012 US
• Name: Robert Gustafson
• Phone: 520-329-0401
• Email: [email protected]