Nursing Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Full-Time Nursing Assistant for the Acute Inpatient Mental Health (AIMH) unit. The NA will join the nursing care team, assisting higher-grade staff in caring for patients entering the campus or admitted to inpatient units, Community Living Center, RRTP, or emergency units.

The position emphasizes patient care, teamwork, and adherence to VA policies while maintaining safety and compassionate support for Veterans in need of mental health services.

Qualifications

• Six months general experience or one year of education above high school or completion of an intensive NA training course meeting the experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist higher-grade Nursing Assistants and licensed staff in patient care across inpatient units.
• Support care team with patient transitions, admissions, and daily activities.
• Observe and report patient conditions and respond under supervision.

Skills

Nursing care

Patient communication

Safety protocols

Education

Six months general experience

One year education above high school

NA training course <1 year

Job description

The LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center is seeking a Full-Time Nursing Assistant (NA) for the Acute Inpatient Mental Health (AIMH) department. The incumbent will function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher-grade Nursing Assistants and licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents who are entering the campus, moving about the facility, or admitted to an inpatient unit, the Community Living Center, RRTP, or any temporary/emergency unit on the grounds.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience or Education or Training.
  • Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR,
  • One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR,
  • Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.

Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met.

For the GS-03 Experience and Education

None beyond the Basic Requirements.

For the GS-04 Experience

One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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;

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

GS-4

• 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.

For the GS-05 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. Specialized experience includes: 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.

OR,

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

GS-5

• 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.

Reference

VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant, Job Qualification Standard.

Physical Requirements

Satisfactory physical examination as determined by the Employee Health Unit upon appointment only. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 (http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/HRLibrary/Dir-Policy.htm).This position requires visual acuity (glasses permitted), keen hearing (hearing aid permitted), clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking (up to 8 hours), standing (up to 8 hours), stooping, sitting, bending (up to 8 hours), pulling, and pushing. Light lifting under 15 lbs. Light carrying 15-44 lbs. 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. Use of rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. 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.

Note

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

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.