Nursing Assistant- Mental Health Inpatient Units
The Nursing Assistant takes and records vital signs in CPRS assist with morning and evening ADL Activities. The Nursing Assistant escorts patients to appointments, within VA and external, to court hearings. The Nursing Assistant provides close observation per nursing orders. The incumbent is responsible to perform a variety of nursing care duties, ranging from routing to moderately specialized in nature in the acute mental health units. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Recognizing and addressing bio-psychosocial and age-specific concerns of patients. - Recognizing signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness and responds appropriately. - Recognizing that patients require medical treatment and/or staff inventions in order to control behaviors. - Understanding that maintaining a therapeutic relationship with patients promotes stabilization. - Providing care to patients with a variety of physical and /or behavior problems. - Demonstrates knowledge and basic in communication for the purpose of establishing therapeutic relationships with patient. - Communicates therapeutically with patients to promote socialization skills. - Performs basic nursing treatments, and functions such as personal care, assistance with ADL's, vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, assigned treatments and specimen collection within established hospital policy and procedure. - Performs all job responsibilities in accordance with prescribed safety and infection control procedures including thorough hand washing, use of disposable gloves where indicated, and proper disposal of soiled materials - Documents findings in the patient CPRS record. - Recognizes abnormalities both physical and mental health and reports to the registered nurse/team leader. - Assists with the completion of technical procedures such as Electrocardiograms, blood glucose finger stick monitoring, bladder scan. - Assists with restraints application, observes patient during the restraint episode, and communicates with the patient during restraint period. - Documents patient behavior during the restraint episode assists during release from restraint. He/she participates in patient and staff debriefing following restraint, provides close observation. - Escorts patients to their appointments within and outside the VA, and to court appointed hearings. - Functions proactively to prevent potential medical and psychiatric emergencies as part of the team. He/she recognizes these emergencies and initiates appropriate action. He/she responds to actual and /or potential medical and psychiatric emergencies. - Trained through Level 4 of Prevention Management of Disruptive Behavior techniques and uses them in management of aggressive behavior. - Employs alternative measures to physical restraints. - Performs patient rounds per hospital policy and procedure to ensure patient safety and participates in hazardous item searches per hospital policy or Standard Operating Procedure. - Observes cognitive status and the potential for elopement, withdrawal, intrusion, or potential for danger to self or others. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday (7:
30am-4:
00pm, 3:
30pm-12:
00am, 11:
30pm - 8:
00am) Rotate other shifts and every other weekend as required for patient needs Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship:
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Training:
One year above high school with courses related to the CNA occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year which resulted in attaining certification as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. Certification:
as a CNA by a State is a basic requirement for all grade levels. Once certified, CNAs must maintain a full, active and unrestricted certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification will result in removal from the GS-621 CNA series and mayresult in termination of employment. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. CNAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred
Experience:
Recent experience in working as a Nursing Assistant in a outpatient setting in a ASU/PACU environment Grade Determinations:
(1) GS-3 CNA (Entry Level) (a) Experience, Education and Certification. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 CNAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. (2) GS-4 CNA (a) Experience. One year of specialized experience as a CNA or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR, (b) Education. Successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians; AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. (d) Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 CNAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. CNAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded CNAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded CNAs or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded CNAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded CNAs, or other healthcare professionals. (3) GS-5 CNA (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) Education. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND (c) Demonstrated KSAs 1. Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse. 2. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new CNAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. 3. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for CNAs. CNAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. CNAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References:
See VA Handbook 5005/71, Part II, Appendix G46. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05 Physical Requirements:
This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
- Recognizing and addressing bio-psychosocial and age-specific concerns of patients. - Recognizing signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness and responds appropriately. - Recognizing that patients require medical treatment and/or staff inventions in order to control behaviors. - Understanding that maintaining a therapeutic relationship with patients promotes stabilization. - Providing care to patients with a variety of physical and /or behavior problems. - Demonstrates knowledge and basic in communication for the purpose of establishing therapeutic relationships with patient. - Communicates therapeutically with patients to promote socialization skills. - Performs basic nursing treatments, and functions such as personal care, assistance with ADL's, vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, assigned treatments and specimen collection within established hospital policy and procedure. - Performs all job responsibilities in accordance with prescribed safety and infection control procedures including thorough hand washing, use of disposable gloves where indicated, and proper disposal of soiled materials - Documents findings in the patient CPRS record. - Recognizes abnormalities both physical and mental health and reports to the registered nurse/team leader. - Assists with the completion of technical procedures such as Electrocardiograms, blood glucose finger stick monitoring, bladder scan. - Assists with restraints application, observes patient during the restraint episode, and communicates with the patient during restraint period. - Documents patient behavior during the restraint episode assists during release from restraint. He/she participates in patient and staff debriefing following restraint, provides close observation. - Escorts patients to their appointments within and outside the VA, and to court appointed hearings. - Functions proactively to prevent potential medical and psychiatric emergencies as part of the team. He/she recognizes these emergencies and initiates appropriate action. He/she responds to actual and /or potential medical and psychiatric emergencies. - Trained through Level 4 of Prevention Management of Disruptive Behavior techniques and uses them in management of aggressive behavior. - Employs alternative measures to physical restraints. - Performs patient rounds per hospital policy and procedure to ensure patient safety and participates in hazardous item searches per hospital policy or Standard Operating Procedure. - Observes cognitive status and the potential for elopement, withdrawal, intrusion, or potential for danger to self or others. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday (7:
30am-4:
00pm, 3:
30pm-12:
00am, 11:
30pm - 8:
00am) Rotate other shifts and every other weekend as required for patient needs Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship:
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Training:
One year above high school with courses related to the CNA occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year which resulted in attaining certification as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. Certification:
as a CNA by a State is a basic requirement for all grade levels. Once certified, CNAs must maintain a full, active and unrestricted certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification will result in removal from the GS-621 CNA series and mayresult in termination of employment. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. CNAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred
Experience:
Recent experience in working as a Nursing Assistant in a outpatient setting in a ASU/PACU environment Grade Determinations:
(1) GS-3 CNA (Entry Level) (a) Experience, Education and Certification. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 CNAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. (2) GS-4 CNA (a) Experience. One year of specialized experience as a CNA or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR, (b) Education. Successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians; AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. (d) Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 CNAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. CNAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded CNAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded CNAs or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded CNAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded CNAs, or other healthcare professionals. (3) GS-5 CNA (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) Education. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND (c) Demonstrated KSAs 1. Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse. 2. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new CNAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. 3. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for CNAs. CNAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. CNAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References:
See VA Handbook 5005/71, Part II, Appendix G46. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05 Physical Requirements:
This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures.
- Department:
0621 Nursing Assistant - Salary Range:
$27,800 to $45,393 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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