Nursing Assistant- Community Living Center (CLC)

Nursing Assistant

The Nursing Assistant (NA) is responsible for assisting the licensed nursing staff in the care of patients throughout the facility receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. The work requires knowledge of VA policies and procedures, comply with all Cyber and Informational Security Policies and Procedures. The incumbent functions as a member of the Inpatient and Outpatient Nursing services with responsibility for performing variety of specimen collection, clinical tests, patient and specimen transport, and pharmacy transport duties. The Nursing Assistant will also mentor and educate peers and monitor wheelchair availability throughout the Medical Center to include inpatient and outpatient care. This position carries out the day-to-day operations throughout the facility. This would include specimen collection to assist the nursing staff with blood draws and lab requests. The employee will ensure the safe transport of inpatients and emergency room patients to and from therapeutic and diagnostic procedures using appropriate equipment and safety measures. The incumbent is cognizant of the signs and symptoms of impending violence such as increased agitation, yelling, or non-cooperation and takes prompt action. Transfers, transports, and monitors patients traveling by wheelchair, stretcher, or bed to procedures or medical tests in a safe and efficient manner. He or she utilizes verbal/written 'handoff' interactive communication that provides opportunity for questioning between the giver and receiver of patient information. The employee will interact with escort volunteers to determine the most efficient way of accomplishing a transportation request. Keeps working areas clean and follows safety precautions utilizing sterile techniques and infection control techniques such as hand hygiene, mask wearing, transporting isolated patients, and cleaning wheelchairs after patient use. Ensures working area are free of obstructions. The employee will obtain and transport laboratory specimens and pharmacy items/paperwork to specified laboratory, and delivery points. Coordinates transport of patient specimens and medications with escort volunteers. He or she gathers, stores, and distributes wheelchairs throughout the Medical Center, identifying wheelchairs in need of minor or major repair and removes from service. Inventories wheelchairs twice per year and notifies VA Police immediately of missing chairs found during inventory or removed from VA property without authorization. Ensures wheelchairs are available in all entrances to include the Emergency Room at the end of each shift. The employee maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with federal and state legal regulations; and The Joint Commission requirements to include knowledge of national safety goals. Complies with HIPAA and Privacy Rules and accesses PII when required for performance of duties and maintains knowledge of new regulations. Answers telephone calls, provides response, or refers to appropriate staff member. Stocks, replenishing, and preparing supplies and equipment for use. Performs other related duties as assigned.