Nursing Assistant- Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration • Phoenix, AZ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant (Mental Health) is a member of the nursing care team who assists licensed nursing staff in caring for patients and residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. Assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs that may range from predictable to unpredictable. The Nursing Assistant provides activities of daily living and other care that contributes to Veterans’ treatment plans, recovery, and wellness under the direction of a licensed health care provider. Work may take place in outpatient, inpatient, home, or Community Living Center settings, including acute and sub-acute care, and involves patients or residents with acute to chronic conditions.

The position requires direct care and observation, documentation, participation in treatment planning, and responding to changes or emergencies within the Nursing Assistant’s role. The position is full-time, with a stated schedule of 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; the tour may change based on facility needs. Weekends and holidays are required. Telework is unavailable. The full performance level is GS-05; selection may be at GS-03 through GS-05.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under applicable VA provisions.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the basic experience or education requirement through one of the following: six months of general experience demonstrating ability to acquire Nursing Assistant knowledge and skills; one year of post-high-school education with courses related to the occupation; or completion of an intensive, specialized occupation-related Nursing Assistant course of study or program of less than one year.
• For GS-4 consideration, one year of specialized Nursing Assistant experience or experience in another medical field performing technical and nursing skills; alternatively, two years of post-high-school education in a relevant field, along with the stated GS-4 knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-5 consideration, one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 with relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities; alternatively, a bachelor's degree or four years of post-high-school study including 24 semester hours of health-care-related courses.
• Ability to provide nursing care to patients or residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in hospital, long-term care, or outpatient settings under the direction of an RN or LPN/LVN.
• Ability to communicate orally with patients or residents, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other personnel; GS-5 duties include precepting new Nursing Assistants.
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergent patient or resident care situations and intervene while awaiting assistance.
• Ability to observe physical or emotional status and report deviations or problems to a supervisor in a timely manner, as applicable to grade qualifications.
• Ability to use equipment, materials, and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures, as applicable to grade qualifications.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and the required background/security investigation; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
• Submit to urinalysis for illegal drug screening if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA health care personnel requirement.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to evaluation and written certification for continued employment.
• Meet the physical requirements of direct patient care, potentially including extended periods of walking, standing, and sitting; moderate lifting; repeated bending, squatting, or kneeling; and completion of all levels of Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior training, including containment.
• Use safe patient handling and mobility protocols and maintain flexibility in schedule and assignments.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in inpatient mental health within the last three years.

Responsibilities

• Provide activities of daily living and nursing care that support Veterans’ treatment plans, recovery, and wellness under the direction of a licensed health care provider.
• Assist with the full range of nursing care for patients or residents with physical or behavioral needs under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Provide direct care to complex Veterans and observe changes in physical condition, behavior, mood, skin color, appetite, or other status; respond within the assigned role and promptly notify appropriate nursing personnel of deviations.
• Document care, observations, patient responses, intake and output, and condition information using appropriate charts, tools, or forms; report intake and output deviations timely and accurately.
• Use a glucose monitoring machine to obtain readings and refer deviations to appropriate health care staff.
• Perform complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning.
• Perform nursing procedures within scope of practice and in accordance with policy and standard procedures, including enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressings, and application of braces and prosthetic devices.
• Work with patients or residents on small-group activities in accordance with their treatment plans; respect autonomy and promote independence through respect, limit setting, and individualized treatment.
• Participate in treatment planning meetings and provide patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in care plans.
• Use equipment to promote self-care and orient members of the health care team to units as appropriate.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment by removing defective equipment, reporting hazards, observing safety regulations, contributing to infection control, and using proper aseptic technique.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies, including initiating basic life support, controlling bleeding, assisting with behavioral crises, and requesting assistance as needed.
• Manage and respond to patient behavior, requesting assistance from other health care team members when needed.
• Serve as a preceptor and mentor to other Nursing Assistants, including helping coordinate orientation and overseeing or assessing practical experience in a clinical setting.
• Complete mandatory training within required timelines and participate in annual competency assessment and validation.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior federal or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED