Nursing Assistant (Psychiatry Unit)

Under the direction of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) the intermediate the Nursing Assistant (NA) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the RN and the LVN in the care of patients. The incumbent functions as NA, under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher grade NA and other health care professionals and is directed by the RN/ LVN in the delivery of care of patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness.

The duties and responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant include but are not limited to the following: Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care based on physical, psychological, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patient served in their assigned area. Provides patient monitoring, observation, and documentation (such as vital signs, I's & O's, meals, obtaining patient weight, etc.) Provides input to colleagues, Team Leader/Charge Nurse for making assignments for the incoming tour. Listens attentively to reports and SBAR notes pertinent items and asks for clarification when unsure of content. Formulates work schedule based on prioritization of patient care needs Responds to all safety alarms, rapid responses, and codes on the unit/area assigned. Will facilitate as a sitter for patients endorsing SI, HI, wheelchair use, or medical monitoring. Assist patients with ADLs and meals as required, maintaining as much independence as possible. Preserves patient safety confidentiality and patient/family/significant other's rights, assists the multidisciplinary team with resolving ethical issues, and immediately reports observations and knowledge of abuse or neglect of patients and loss or damage of government property. Performs procedures and treatments according to the orientation procedures for assigned patients or assists with the delivery of procedures/treatments for a team of patients, in an organized and timely manner per established policy and practice, seeking guidance when necessary. Assist patients in keeping physically and socially active and maintaining peer group interactions. Assists with the ambulation of patients to promote rehabilitative and restorative nursing care. Assist patients in coping with loss (e.g., hearing, vision, body parts, or death of significant others). Provides respectful care that maintains individuality, dignity, and self-esteem for residents in an environment that focuses on their care needs and quality of life. Practices universal precautions, infection control techniques, and safe medical waste disposal Use of equipment safely and using proper body mechanics. Recognizes medical/behavioral changes and initiates appropriate intervention requests as necessary The Nursing Assistant is alert to patients' possible physical acting out behavior and protects themself and others from physical harm. Assist with admissions, discharges, transfers, and death procedures. Assist with transporting patients to procedures, between wards, and at discharge. Duties require extensive standing and walking, bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, pulling, and similar activities using safe patient handling techniques. Performs Environmental safety rounds in the milieu to ensure unit/patient rooms are safe. (Halls are clear, no broken equipment, beds in the low locked position, no tripping hazards, and no restricted contraband kept in patient rooms). Preferred Experience: 1+ years of inpatient acute psychiatric experience Work Schedule: Full-Time/ 12hr shifts.1830-0700 and alternating weekends. Tour subject to change depending on the needs of facility. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.