Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

Summary

The Columbia, SC VAMC is seeking a qualified applicants to work as a Nursing Assistant at our facility. This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants will be accepted on an ongoing basis and considered as vacancies become available.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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
• 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
• Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
• For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
• If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation
• Grade Determinations GS 3: Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignments: Individuals assigned as GS-3 Nursing Assistant are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised
• Grade Determinations GS 4: 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, 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 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
• Assignment: 1
• Individuals assigned as GS-4 Nursing Assistant are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised
• Nursing Assistant at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded Nursing Assistant, 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 Nursing Assistant or other healthcare professionals
• 2
• In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded Nursing Assistant, 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 Nursing Assistant, or other healthcare professionals
• Grade Determinations 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
• In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) 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: 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 Nursing Assistant 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
• Assignment: This is the full performance level for Nursing Assistant
• Nursing Assistant 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 Assistant at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role
• References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-46

Duties

"Duties: Escorts non-critical and involuntary patients to appointments in a safe and cautious manner.
Assists in getting patients out of bed and returning to bed after escorting.
Performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of a safe environment committed to serving the Veterans, their families, and internal and external stakeholders.
Promotes the physical independence of the patient by encouraging and teaching individual patients and groups of patients in self-care activities such as progressive steps in personal hygiene, bathing, and oral care, also assists in teaching and encouraging other care activities such as eating, dressing, undressing, and bladder and other training as needed.
Uses personal protection equipment (PPE) and lifting devices and operates patient care equipment according to standards and reports unsafe conditions/equipment.
Requires the ability to work alternate schedules during evenings, nights, weekends, weekdays, holidays, and may alternate schedules to ensure adequate coverage of support functions Performs assignments required of a Nursing Assistant and will uphold the standards of care as outlined by the Medical Center and the Service Policies and Procedures and I-CARE values.
Observes and reports to the Supervisor or charge nurse changes in patient's behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance.
Provides acute and close observation of patients with medical or mental health conditions requiring such observation.
This includes intervening to prevent an act of self or other harm by patients, assisting with prevention and management of disruptive behavior, and reporting to the charge nurse any deviation from baseline behavior or condition.
Provides nursing care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior, including the severely depressed, suicidal, or homicidal patient, and the drug or alcohol abuse patient.
Recognizes emergency situations and intervenes in accordance with training and competency while awaiting assistance including implementation PMDB and basic life support For example, recognizing need for basic life supporting, controlling bleeding, and assisting with behavior crisis, etc Work Schedule: Rotate all Shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"