Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizen

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• The NA is responsible for the coordination and clinical care of Veterans admitted to the Mental Health Service (MHS) Acute Inpatient Units. NA's are responsible for providing a wide range of patient care, treatments and charting activities throughout MHS. Possessing knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated efforts and self-direction in carrying out complex assignments.
• The NA performs duties in such a way as to encourage Veteran efforts towards goals for recovery and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while promoting a sense of worth and dignity for the patient. Quality of Care is measured by Evidence-Based Clinical Reminders, and local Performance Measures. The NA observes Veterans and prioritizes urgency of needs based on condition and information obtained from the patient. The NA independently initiates emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and/or respiratory arrest, disruptive behaviors, etc. and alerts others. Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Assists with admission of new Veterans to the unit (i.e. assist with new patient orientation, vital signs, height/weight, belongings inventory, breathalyzer, Urine Drug Screens (UDS), etc.).
  • Provides direct care and care coordination for Veterans, especially those receiving medication assisted treatments.
  • Observes, monitors, reports Vital Signs, Accu-Checks, symptoms; especially declines in physical, mental and emotional status to a Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
  • Provides Veteran care within scope of practice by administering medications, treatments and procedures; attending to Veterans' concerns; and documenting each medication and/or care provided.
  • Assists the MHS Interdisciplinary Treatment Teams in monitoring Veterans' adherence to treatment, symptoms/clinical status, medication side effects, treatment preferences, and barriers to treatment.
  • Conducts and documents Environmental Observation Rounds for safety, documenting patient observations according to program guidelines.
  • Performs or assists with basic Nursing Care and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), when necessary, for Veterans with various Psychiatric or Mental Health and/or Substance Diagnoses.
  • Facilitates group activities and conduct appropriate individual conversation with the Veterans. Participates in patient education. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Assists with Health and Safety Checks, contraband searches, and room checks. Promotes a safe and therapeutic environment.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 3:30p.m. to 12:00M, Rotation Required for Weekends, Holidays and other Tours of Duty based on the needs of the hospital.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States (U.S.). (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)).
• 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, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Preferred Experience:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is desired. If selected for this position, per VHA Directive 1177, you must possess current BCLS certification as you will provide direct clinical care to patients in this position.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of computer systems and standard software programs.
• Demonstrates skills in managing complex systems, with advanced organizational skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) regulations/policies/procedures, current Joint Commission (JC) Standards, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and other current internal and external accrediting body standards.
• Demonstrates a pleasant and respectful disposition.
• Demonstrates the ability to respond in a positive manner with Mental Health and Behavioral Science Veterans.

Grade Determinations:
GS-3, Nursing Assistant
Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4, Nursing Assistant
For GS-4, the candidate must meet one of the two below requirements:
Experience. One year at the full time level of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.
• Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals.

GS-5, Nursing Assistant
For GS-5, the candidate must meet one of the two below requirements:
Experience. One year at the full time level 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. In addition to the experience or education above, candidates must demonstrate all of 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.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81, PART II, APPENDIX G46. NURSING ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS STANDARD dated March 12, 2015

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.

Physical Requirements: This position requires heavy lifting and carrying (45+ lbs), pulling/pushing (1-2 hrs), both hands required, walking (2-4 hrs), standing (2-6 hours), hearing (aid permitted), far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, depth perception, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.