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) 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

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. Basic Life Support (BLS) Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5 (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. 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. 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 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: 1-2 years mental health experience References: : VA Handbook 5005, Part 11, Chapter 3, Section C, Professional Standards Boards. VHA in the GS-621 series Appendix g46.Certfied Assistant Qualification Standards 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-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. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. 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. The NA must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019

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