Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistant

Assist with treatment and care of patients receiving medical, surgical, psychiatric, or outpatient treatment. Observe and report changes in patient behavior, attitude, and appearance. Assist in the performance of diagnostic/assessment examinations by taking and monitoring vital signs, height, weight, patient concerns/symptoms, and less obvious changes in patients' condition. Provide care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior, including those who are severely depressed, agitated, and/or acting out and those patients with complex medical conditions. Recognize emergency situations and appropriately intervene while awaiting assistance. Assist with activities of daily living (ADL's) as needed.

Perform a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing patients' comfort and health status. Perform patient care and comfort measures addressing patients' biopsychosocial needs, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, hydration, skin care, rehabilitation, and safety. Identify and report data relative to more complex patient situations including subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition, or variances related to neurological and vital signs, actual and potential safety issues, and other parameters.

Explain to patients and family members the necessity of procedures for proper health care. Provide specific health information based on patient's condition, such as acceptance of limited physical mobility, proper body mechanics, and the importance of adhering to prescribed regimens for both medical and mental health conditions.

Required to complete quarterly BLS training prior to first day of new quarter. Enter specific information into the patient's electronic record using appropriate formats, medical terminology, and templates. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies. Attendance of all appropriate staff meetings (interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, other committees as appropriate, etc.) is necessary. Additional duties may be required to be performed, as needed.

Work schedule is 24 hour-7 day a week-365 day a year direct patient care unit. Day versus night shifts and specific days off are not guaranteed. Shifts are based on the operational needs of the organization to best care for our Veterans.