Nursing Assistant

Job Title

Inpatient Mental Health Nursing Assistant

Duties

Primary Duties - Inpatient Mental Health Nursing Assistant (Not Limited To):

• Provide direct patient care including, but not limited to bathing, toileting, feeding, ambulation, positioning, and personal hygiene
• Obtain and document vital signs, intake/output, height, and weight
• Assist in implementing therapeutic and supportive care plans
• Perform treatment procedures not limited to specimen collection, external urinary device application, oral suctioning, stoma/ostomy care, G-tube care, and skin care
• Support wound and pressure injury care under RN guidance
• Utilize behavioral interventions and de-escalation techniques per PMDB training
• Observe and report physical or emotional changes in patients in a timely manner
• Maintain a clean, safe, therapeutic environment
• Serve as the unit's safe patient-handling liaison and use proper body mechanics and assistive devices for transfers
• Safely operate patient care equipment including, but not limited to bladder scanners, glucose monitors, CPM devices, pulse oximetry, patient lifts, EKG machines, specialty beds, traction devices, oxygen/suction equipment, and wheelchairs
• Escort patients to appointments and activities within the facility
• Provide continuous 1:1 observation for high-risk patients; assist with redirection, orientation, and monitoring
• Apply protective restraints only as directed by an RN and complete required documentation
• Participate in effective hand-off communication to clinical staff
• Transport collected specimens to the laboratory
• Assist with patient transfers using safe handling techniques and assistive devices
• Encourage and participate in group or one-on-one therapeutic activities
• Document authorized patient care information in the medical record
• Maintain clean patient rooms, equipment, and common areas
• Assist with patient/family orientation to the unit and provide routine instructions
• Initiate emergency procedures such as CPR and choking response
• Respond to call bells and assist with unit communication
• Participate in PMDB training and maintain required certifications
• Demonstrate strong customer service and support VA values
• Communicate observations to the interdisciplinary team to support care planning
• Assist with diet-related tasks including, but not limited to meal delivery, tray pickup, diet accuracy checks, and identifying nutritional risks
• Deliver nourishments and assist with menu selection processes
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of unit SOPs and remain competent in all observation levels
• Float to other mental health or nursing areas as needed
• Participate in shift-change reports and warm hand-off communication
• Perform additional nursing support duties as assigned and not limited to the tasks above

Preferred Experience:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Work Schedule: Various, rotating weekends/holidays

Telework: Not eligible for Telework

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 40799F, 41681F & 41682F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized