Recovery-Focused Mental Health Nursing Assistant

Preferra Insurance; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Iowa VA Health Care System is seeking a Mental Health Nursing Assistant to provide direct, recovery‑oriented support to Veterans in inpatient and domiciliary settings. You will assist with daily living needs, monitor changes in behavior and physical condition, participate in treatment planning, and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

The role involves 6 night shifts and 8-hour rotations, with opportunities to collaborate with the care team and support Veterans through various

Qualifications

• Six (6) months of general experience.
• One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
• Completion of an intensive - specialized - occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA may meet the experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for Veterans with complex physical or behavioral needs, supporting daily living activities.
• Observe and report changes in mood, behavior, skin condition, appetite, or cognition.
• Perform nursing procedures including tracheostomy care, suctioning, I&O monitoring, enemas, catheterization, and dressings.
• Support treatment planning and participate in meetings.
• Provide continuous observations and intervene during behavioral crises.
• Initiate basic life support and emergency responses when needed.

Skills

Compassionate patient care

Therapeutic communication

Observation of patient status

Team collaboration

Emergency response

Education

Six months general experience

Two years of education above high school

NA training program completion

Job description

Central Iowa VA Health Care System is seeking a Mental Health Nursing Assistant to provide direct, recovery‑oriented support to Veterans in inpatient and domiciliary settings. You will assist with daily living needs, monitor changes in behavior and physical condition, participate in treatment planning, and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

The role involves 6 night shifts and 8-hour rotations, with opportunities to collaborate with the care team and support Veterans through various