Nursing Assistant

Summary

The Acute Mental Health Inpatient Nursing Assistant (NA) for Units Birch, Cypress, and Douglas functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. Performs activities of daily living and provides a range of care that contributes to the Veteran's treatment plan, recovery, and wellness under the direction of a licensed health care provider.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Provides care for patients with a variety of physical and/or behavior problems. Recognizes and addresses bio-psychosocial and age-specific concerns of patients. Recognizes signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness and responds appropriately. Assists in carrying out communication techniques that will be most therapeutic for any patient or group of patients. Performs basic nursing treatments such as personal care, assistance with ADLs, vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, assigned treatments and specimen collection within established hospital policy and procedure. Documents findings in the patient's CPRS record. Recognizes abnormalities and reports to the registered nurse. Assists with the completion of technical procedures such as electrocardiograms, respiratory treatments, and blood glucose finger stick monitoring. Functions proactively to prevent potential medical and psychiatric emergencies. Responds to actual and/or potential medical and psychiatric emergencies. Manages aggressive behavior. Employs alternative measures to physical restraints. Provides Close Observation to patient while in restraint. Communicate with the patient during restraint period. Knowledgeable in documenting patient behavior and intervention provided in restraint flow sheet. Assists during release from restraint. Participates in rehash and debriefing following restraint episode. Acts when patients demonstrate high-risk behaviors or suicidal or self-destructive impulses. Notify the registered nurse immediately of any perceived risk. Maintains the standard procedure when supervising patients off the ward, escorting them directly to appointments and/or to appropriate activities. remains with the patient always. Immediately reports abnormal situations to the registered nurse and seeks VA police assistance immediately as needed. Ensuring no hazardous items is brought by patients to the unit at the time of admission and by visitors during visitations. Observes and reports any change in patient behavior, mental or physical condition. Electronically documents pertinent findings in the patient record (CPRS). Provides basic instruction and VA approved educational materials to patients and families regarding coping with a disease. This patient teaching can be conducted individually or in a group setting. Reports hazardous situations and alerts personnel. Take immediate corrective action to resolve unsafe conditions Completes annual mandatory education review, competency checklists and other required educational activities for the Health Care System and Mental Health Nursing. Proficient in the use of the electronic medical record and VAPA web such as accessing of information and entering data when appropriate. Demonstrates knowledge of VA policies, procedures, and assists with basic life safety and unit orientation of new staff members. Maintain up-to-date PMDB training to effectively prevent and manage disruptive behaviors, taking a proactive role in monitoring their compliance Verbalize MHEOCC findings that present ligature risk on the unit and able to discuss mitigation strategies. Ensuring performing walkthrough during the change of the shift and ensuring proper endorsement was given to incoming NA by off going NA. Perform patient and environmental rounds per hospital policy and procedure to ensure patient safety. Gives attention to cognitive status and the potential for elopement, withdrawal or intrusion, or potential for danger to self or others. Documents appropriately patient and environmental rounds in timely manner. When assigned to close observation, patients always maintain within eye contact and ensure patients do not have items that can be used for self-harm. Provides verbal hand-offs to the relief person regarding the status of the patient. Documents observed patient behaviors every 15 minutes on flow sheet. When providing CO observation to patients on SP (Suicidal patients), always maintain arm length distance even when patient is in the bathroom. For Direct Line of sight 1 staff can monitor 2 or more patients at time per Mental Health level of observation SOP 118-25-2. The Inpatient Mental Health NA has successfully completed comprehensive training in PMDB Therapeutic Containment, including hands-on training. The employee is fully trained to immediately implement patient containment safety procedures and can effectively apply all learning from all levels of PMDB training, including de-escalation techniques, into practice. The Inpatient Mental Health Nurse performs all duties as assigned by Supervisor. Work Schedule: PM, Monday - Friday, 3:30pm - 12:00am, Rotating Weekends and Holidays Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD09802F, PD09803F, and PD09804F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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.

Benefits

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on [Close Date] to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13046707 To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Professional Certification SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.