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
• Providing direct patient care in mental health settings, assisting with daily living activities, observing and reporting behavioral changes, supporting therapeutic interventions, and working with patients who have acute or chronic psychiatric conditions

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