North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The Nursing Assistant - HIPU ( High Intensity Psychiatric Unit) position is located in the Nursing Mental Health Service. The Nursing Assistant will demonstrate ability to establish and maintain effective person-to-person relationships, skill in oral and written communication, ability to inspire confidence and motivate individuals and capacity for leadership and specialized experience which is demonstrated through knowledge. This is an open and continuous announcement. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant (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 requirements for GS-3. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (2) If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81 PART II APPENDIX G46 Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards MARCH 12, 2015 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The position potentially requires long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling and pushing. 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 other 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. ["Major Duties: Performs a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks in assisting physicians and other professionals in a variety of psychological needs and psychiatric diagnoses. Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients. Ensures that patients are oriented to unit's schedule, policies and procedures. Completes rounds and contraband checks with appropriate follow-up and reporting Reports completed work in tour report for the oncoming tour. Responsible for the timely completion of all required documentation Contributes to the interdisciplinary treatment team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient's treatment plan Both lead, conduct and assist in the aspect of patient care, to include motivation, reality orientation and other patient therapeutic groups to help them share feelings, interact and function in accordance with their treatment plan. Observes, reports and documents current observations such as patients' physical condition, emotional response and results of procedures, observe skin conditions, variations in vital signs, personal habits of patients Recognizes the need for and initiates emergency measures in life threatening situations. Recognize the need for and initiates emergency measures in psychiatric crises, assist in controlling patients during \"Code Green\" episodes. Work will require encounter and care for unpredictable verbally or physically aggressive patients. Completion and performance of Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) parts 1, 2, and 3 course annually is a requirement for direct patient care. During non-administrative hours, contacts emergency personnel immediately for patients in medical and/or behavioral crisis. Assist personnel in the stabilization and/or evacuation of the patient. Takes and records patients' blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, collection of specimens and completion of specific clinical practice and preventive guidelines as defined by VHA Office of Quality and Performance. Is responsible for the supervision of, maintaining security for a therapeutic environment and regularly inspects the patient sleeping areas and surrounding environment for compliance with hospital health, safety and security policies Regularly assists with inspections of rooms, for compliance with policies and is responsible for the supervision of patients and/or notification of appropriate personnel to remedy deficiencies. Assists in collecting data for the completion of an initial structured assessment, reassessment of transfers and discharges. Initiates and participates in urine collection for drug screening as indicated. Assists selected patients with activities such as range of motion, ambulating, positioning and self-help activities of daily living. Works with appropriately orientate/train less experienced Nursing Assistant in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Knowledgeable and follows policies/procedures of standard/universal precautions. Maintains and renders safe use by proper disinfection and sterilization practices patient care equipment and adheres to general principles of equipment and supply transport. Escort patients to appointments, on and off-station. Applies external urinary devices, safety devices and other supportive devices as indicated or prescribed including restraints. Responds to patient call lights in a timely and courteous manner. Reports and records current observations such as patients' physical condition, emotional response and results of procedures; observe skin conditions, variations in vital signs, personal habits of patients, and listen for clues to patients reaction to illness and treatment. Maintains current BCLS Certification and initiates CPR as necessary in critical emergencies until the RN/MD/NP/PA arrives. Knowledge of fire, emergency, infection control, and environment and exercises proper use and maintenance of equipment. Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality to include patient records/information. Participates in and completes Mandatory Training and is self-directed in ensuring required continuing education hours and mandatory 40 hours continuing education for ongoing staff development annually. Works long periods of time with patients requiring regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, stretching and similar activities. Adheres to established dress code and wears name badge when on duty. Completes other duties and tasks as assigned Work Schedule: 24/7 operating unit offering 12-hour tours 7:30am to 8:00pm & 7:30pm - 8: 00am\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]