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

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 Organize and obtain routine supplies and equipment Assist with orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies Work as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team Safeguard patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature Use proper safety practices Communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. Utilize equipment and supplies according to procedures Utilize principles of proper body mechanics and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury to self or others in all settings such as utilization of lifting equipment Work Schedule: Days: 7 to 1930 or Nights: 1900 to 0730. 3-12 hr per week and 1-8 hr shift every other week. Some weekends and Holiday's expected. 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: 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 [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. c. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. d. 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: GS-3 [NA] (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 [NA] (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. (d) Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 [NAs] are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded [NAs], licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team 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 significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs] or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded [NAs], licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs], or other healthcare professionals. 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. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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]