Under the direction of the primary or associate nurse, the Nursing Assistant (NA) in the Acute Psychiatry Inpatient Unit within the Mental Health Division (MHD) performs a variety of routine patient care techniques based on the needs of the unit.

Duties

FUNCTIONSORSCOPEOFASSIGNED DUTIES Under the direction of the primary or associate nurse, the Nursing Assistant (NA) in the Acute Psychiatry Inpatient Unit within the Mental Health Division (MHD) performs a variety of routine patient care techniques based on the needs of the unit. The incumbent provides care to psychiatric patients, as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, following the nursing care plan. The Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit NA participates in the plan of care and in one-to-one interactions and group meetings, in a manner which promotes a safe and therapeutic ward milieu. Duties include the following: observes patient needs and selects priorities in patient care; anticipates the needs of the patient giving special attention to details of care; orients patient to the nursing unit; provides emotional support for patient and family; performs a range of monitoring which includes taking and recording vital signs, obtaining specimens, setting up and assisting for diagnostic examinations; provides care for patients using universal precautions; observes and documents on flow sheets all pertinent data regarding the emotional and physical status of the patient, properly reporting subtle changes to the primary nurse; and gives condition reports to family as appropriate. The incumbent participates in patient/family teaching and discharge planning. The incumbent instructs patient regarding self-care, selected diagnostic measures, and reinforces previous teaching. All duties performed will be completed with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. These include but are not limited to the following: Utilize glucose monitoring machine appropriately to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned Veteran Maintain a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families and/or Significant Others utilizing learned communication skills Utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations Perform aspects of nursing care to meet patient's needs for the following: Personal Hygiene Physical comfort Activity, Exercise, Rest Nutrition Elimination Prevention of Skin Breakdown Rehabilitative Aspects of Care Learn to utilize principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients Report patient observations to the RN and or other members of the treatment team Trained to set up patient care related equipment Work Schedule: Days 7 to 1930 or Nights 19 to 0730. 3-12 hr. per week. Some weekends and Holiday's expected. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. Education or Training. 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. c. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. d .English Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistant must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Grade Determinations: GS-Entry Level: (a) Experience and Education . None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 (a) 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, (b) 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 (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3. 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. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 (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 NA's 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: NA Certification and one year experience preferred. Acute care, mental health and/or memory care experienced preferred. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81 PART II APPENDIX G46 The 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.

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 VA Portland Health Care System 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 US
• Name: Eugenia Washington-Knight
• Phone: (931) 674-1430
• Email: [email protected]