Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistant Job

Under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed providers, the Nursing Assistant delivers compassionate, patient-centered care that supports both the physical and psychosocial needs of veterans presenting for crisis assessment. The Nursing Assistant assists nursing staff in the assessment and monitoring of patients presenting for psychiatric and detox admissions, including taking and documenting vital signs, blood glucose, and other observations as directed. They support the implementation of medical clearance protocols, including specimen collection (e.g., urine for toxicology), EKG setup, obtaining lab specimens, and preparing patients for provider evaluation while promoting a safe, therapeutic environment by assisting with milieu management. The Nursing Assistant may also support the inpatient units as needed.

Becoming proficient with maintaining positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families, and/or significant others utilizing communication skills.

Utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting, and recording.

Participate in patient centered conferences/shift reports, and contributing information for the development and review of the nursing care plan.

Maintain a therapeutic environment for patients according to established procedures and policies by reporting actual or potential accidents, fire hazards, and faulty equipment.

Competent with performing aspects of nursing care to meet patients/residents needs for:

• Personal Hygiene
• Physical Comfort
• Activity, Exercise, Rest
• Nutrition
• Elimination
• Prevention of Skin Breakdown
• Rehabilitative Aspects of Care

Performing and documenting prescribed medical treatment and interventions for patients, such as diabetic urine testing and blood testing, simple dressing changes.

Learning to be proficient with the utilizing rehabilitative principles to promote patient independence and recovery, encouraging and guiding patient/resident in bowel and bladder training.

Monitors patients according to levels of observation i.e. (one to one, continuous observation, Q 15-minute checks, and safety rounding).

Monitor Veterans who may be at risk for harming themselves and or others according to established policies and procedures and appropriately refers issues to the charge nurse or other healthcare professionals.

Reports patient status to the RN and documents pertinent observations in the medical record according to established procedures.

Sets up patient care related equipment, such as respiratory/oxygen delivery systems, portable and wall suction and assisting in monitoring proper function of equipment.

Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to collect glucose values on veterans when needed and refer deviations to appropriate nursing staff or other health care professionals.

Utilize Bladder Scanner to collect information for RN and Provider as ordered.

Utilize ECG to collect information for RN and Provider as ordered.

Organizing and obtaining routine supplies and equipment.

Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.

Utilizes principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury.

Performs other duties as assigned by a supervisor/manager within their scope of work.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Pay: 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 $416.66

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: F08226

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized