Nursing Assistant - Mental Health

Nursing Assistant Position

This position serves as a Nursing Assistant within the Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service (MHBSS) at the VA Tampa Healthcare System. The Nursing Assistant provides direct patient and resident care to Veterans with diverse behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric health needs in inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care settings. As a key member of the interdisciplinary mental health care team, the Nursing Assistant supports licensed nursing staff in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care. The role requires skill in observing and reporting behavioral changes, employing trauma-informed communication, assisting with therapeutic interventions, and responding appropriately to emergent situations. Nursing Assistants promote patient safety, dignity, stabilization, and recovery while supporting the VA's mission of providing high-quality mental health care to Veterans.

This position includes but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient/resident care and assists in implementing the nursing care plan to support recovery, safety, and comfort.
• Observes and documents changes in patients' physical or emotional condition and promptly reports deviations or concerns to the supervising nurse.
• Utilizes approved equipment, materials, and supplies when performing basic diagnostic and treatment procedures (e.g., bladder scan, blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection).
• Communicates effectively and professionally with patients/residents, families, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Assists licensed nursing staff in the full range of nursing care for patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral health needs in hospital, long-term care, and outpatient settings.
• Functions as a preceptor to new Nursing Assistants by guiding orientation, evaluating practical skills, and supporting competency development in clinical areas.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to emergent patient care situations, including initiating basic life support, controlling bleeding, and assisting during behavioral crises.

Work Schedule: 0730-1600, with variable scheduling based on unit needs

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 70621F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized