What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nursing Assistant-Behavior Health position at Veterans Health Administration?
This position is located in the Acute Psychiatric Care Unit within Harry S Truman Veteran's Hospital.
Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-3 NA (Entry Level)
(a) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.
GS-4 NA
(a) Experience. One year of specialized experience as a NA 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 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, 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 NAs or other healthcare professionals.
2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, 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 NAs, or other healthcare professionals.
GS-5 NA (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 NAs 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 NAs. NAs 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. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05.
Preferred Experience:
-BLS Certification
-1 year experience with inpatient mental health or behavioral health patients; Exceptional therapeutic communication skills to de-escalate patients as needed; physical ability to participate in therapeutic containment as needed.
References: Veterans Health Administration, VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46
Physical Requirements: The position requires visual activity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing and reaching over head. 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. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements; such as annual TB screenings or testing if required for the specific area they are assigned, as a condition of employment. Incumbent may be exposed, on a short-term basis to fumes, dusts and other debris. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 45 pounds or more. This employee must be able to carry 45 pounds' short distances. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital and is an essential function of the position.
1 year experience with inpatient mental health or behavioral health patients;
Exceptional therapeutic communication skills to de-escalate patients as needed;
Physical ability to participate in therapeutic containment as needed.
Assists with patient activities of daily living such as: ambulation, personal care such as bathing skin care, shaving, oral hygiene, feeding, and escort duties, measure and record oral intake and urinary output, vital signs, weights, collection of routine specimens, and answering of call lights. Obtains and reports information regarding patients' condition to Team Leader &/or Charge nurse, (i.e. vomiting, bleeding, type and amount of drainage, skin integrity, patency of airway, change in vital signs, pain level, whole blood glucose, change in mental status, etc.) and records appropriate data. Maintains safe environment by protecting patient from physical injury to self or others. Demonstrate increasing skills in relation to others and in motivating patients. Assist the nurse and/or physician with technical and therapeutic procedures. Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient. Provides escort (transport) service for patients requiring assistance. Performs basic phlebotomy duties
Work Schedule: Days/Evening 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., every other weekend
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant, GS3/4/5
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Qualifications:
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 NA occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirement for GS-3.
- Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. See below.
- English Language Proficiency. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-3 NA (Entry Level)
(a) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.
GS-4 NA
(a) Experience. One year of specialized experience as a NA 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 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, 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 NAs or other healthcare professionals.
2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, 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 NAs, or other healthcare professionals.
GS-5 NA (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 NAs 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 NAs. NAs 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. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05.
Preferred Experience:
-BLS Certification
-1 year experience with inpatient mental health or behavioral health patients; Exceptional therapeutic communication skills to de-escalate patients as needed; physical ability to participate in therapeutic containment as needed.
References: Veterans Health Administration, VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46
Physical Requirements: The position requires visual activity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing and reaching over head. 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. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements; such as annual TB screenings or testing if required for the specific area they are assigned, as a condition of employment. Incumbent may be exposed, on a short-term basis to fumes, dusts and other debris. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 45 pounds or more. This employee must be able to carry 45 pounds' short distances. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital and is an essential function of the position.
Responsibilities:
Preferred experience:1 year experience with inpatient mental health or behavioral health patients;
Exceptional therapeutic communication skills to de-escalate patients as needed;
Physical ability to participate in therapeutic containment as needed.
Assists with patient activities of daily living such as: ambulation, personal care such as bathing skin care, shaving, oral hygiene, feeding, and escort duties, measure and record oral intake and urinary output, vital signs, weights, collection of routine specimens, and answering of call lights. Obtains and reports information regarding patients' condition to Team Leader &/or Charge nurse, (i.e. vomiting, bleeding, type and amount of drainage, skin integrity, patency of airway, change in vital signs, pain level, whole blood glucose, change in mental status, etc.) and records appropriate data. Maintains safe environment by protecting patient from physical injury to self or others. Demonstrate increasing skills in relation to others and in motivating patients. Assist the nurse and/or physician with technical and therapeutic procedures. Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient. Provides escort (transport) service for patients requiring assistance. Performs basic phlebotomy duties
Work Schedule: Days/Evening 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., every other weekend
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant, GS3/4/5
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Salary : $33,906 - $49,009
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