Nursing Assistant (Psychiatry Unit)

Veterans Health Administration • Loma Linda, CA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN), the Nursing Assistant (NA) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists RNs and LVNs in caring for patients. The position works under close supervision, refers questions and concerns to supervisors, higher-grade NAs, and other health care professionals, and follows RN/LVN direction in delivering care to patients in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness.

The role provides patient monitoring, observation, and documentation; assists with activities of daily living, meals, mobility, procedures, and transitions of care; and supports patient safety, dignity, independence, and social engagement. The Nursing Assistant responds to safety alarms and emergencies, monitors for physical or behavioral changes, and helps maintain a safe care environment. The position involves full-time 12-hour shifts from 1830 to 0700, including alternating weekends. The tour may change according to facility needs. Telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• Meet the U.S. citizenship requirement, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the applicable Nursing Assistant qualification standard at the grade for which the applicant is considered: GS-3, GS-4, or GS-5.
• For GS-3 or GS-4, meet the stated experience or education pathway, including relevant specialized experience or high school diploma/GED, and demonstrate the listed patient-care, observation, equipment-use, and communication abilities.
• For GS-5, meet the stated experience or education pathway, including one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 or the specified bachelor's-degree pathway, and demonstrate the listed nursing-care, communication, and emergency-response abilities.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination and meet physical requirements, including heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more, moderate carrying of 15–44 pounds, pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, walking, standing, and repeated bending.
• Pass applicable background and security investigation requirements and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Complete required online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Register with Selective Service if applicable to male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete all application requirements listed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period if appointed.
• Meet applicable education-recognition requirements; foreign education used to qualify must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of inpatient acute psychiatric experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide care appropriate to patients’ physical, psychological, educational, safety, and other relevant needs and ages.
• Monitor and observe patients and document information such as vital signs, intake and output, meals, and weights.
• Provide input to colleagues and the Team Leader/Charge Nurse when assignments are made for the incoming tour.
• Listen to reports, note pertinent information in SBAR notes, and ask for clarification when needed.
• Organize work based on the prioritization of patient care needs.
• Respond to safety alarms, rapid responses, and codes in the assigned unit or area.
• Serve as a sitter for patients endorsing suicidal or homicidal ideation, using a wheelchair, or requiring medical monitoring.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living and meals while supporting as much independence as possible.
• Protect patient safety, confidentiality, and patient and family rights; assist the multidisciplinary team with ethical issues; and promptly report suspected abuse or neglect and loss or damage of government property.
• Perform or assist with procedures and treatments according to orientation, established policy, and practice, seeking guidance when necessary.
• Help patients remain physically and socially active and maintain peer-group interactions.
• Assist with patient ambulation to promote rehabilitative and restorative nursing care.
• Support patients coping with losses, including loss of hearing, vision, body parts, or significant others.
• Provide respectful care that preserves individuality, dignity, and self-esteem and focuses on care needs and quality of life.
• Follow universal precautions and infection-control techniques and dispose of medical waste safely.
• Use equipment safely and apply proper body mechanics.
• Recognize medical or behavioral changes and request appropriate intervention.
• Remain alert to possible patient physical acting-out behavior and protect self and others from harm.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, transfers, and death procedures.
• Transport patients to procedures, between wards, and at discharge.
• Conduct environmental safety rounds in the milieu, checking that halls and rooms are safe, equipment is intact, beds are low and locked, tripping hazards are absent, and restricted contraband is not kept in patient rooms.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type. Prior federal or military service may be credited toward annual leave accrual if requested and approved before appointment; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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