Nursing Assistant

Nursing AssistantThe Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. 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. The NA at this level also assumes a peer education/mentorship.Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for veterans refers deviation to appropriate health care staffProvides direct care for complex veteransMakes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e. behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and takes action accordingly within the NA's assigned role.Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms.Appropriately initiates basic life support, takes actions appropriate action.Responds appropriately to subtle patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personalMonitor and documents patient intake and output reports deviations timely and accuratelyPerforms nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures but not limited to: catheter care, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing changes while assisting the registered nurse, application of braces and prosthetic devices.Works on small group activities with veterans/residents according to the patients/resident treatment plan.Recognizes the residents' autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment.Participates in Treatment Planning Meetings.Utilizes equipment to promote the veteran self-care, such as; lift equipment, Hydro sound Tubs, and Veteran/Resident Wandering System.Verbally provides patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in the veteran/residents' plan of care, participates in treatment team meetings for resident care planning.Enters information about the residents' condition in the chart, utilizing appropriate formats.Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the patient/residentRemoves defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties.Serves as preceptor and mentor to other NA'sOrients members of the health care team to the units as appropriateFunctions as a member of the unit base counselManages distributed patient behavior and by appropriately intervenes and request assistant from other health care members.Appropriately initiates basic life support, takes actions appropriate actionTotal Rewards of a Allied Health ProfessionalWork Schedule: Various schedules available. Days, Evening and Nights / Rotating shifts with rotating weekends and holidaysPay: 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 $416.66Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VAInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)