North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The inpatient mental health nursing assistant provides direct care to Veterans with a variety of mental health needs on a secure, inpatient unit. The MHU nursing assistant provides care such as supervision of ADLs, safety rounds and meal supervision for Veterans on a 12 bed unit alongside skilled nursing staff. The inpatient setting provides care 24/7. These positions are located at the main Reno VA campus. 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: 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 requirements for GS-3. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. [d.] 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. Grandfathering Provisions. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-3 (Entry Level): None beyond the basic requirements (SEE ABOVE). 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Mental Health Experience Preferred References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-46 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Collecting Specimens: sputum, urine (routine & sterile), feces, and others as directed by team lead for storage and delivery to lab according to unit standard. Notify nurse of change in patient's condition and/or hazardous environments; including VS, physical or behavioral S&S, psychosocial, supply and/or equipment issues. Under the guidance of the nurse or provider, prepares and positions the patient and arranges and passes medical supplies and materials to the providers or nurses for a variety of diagnostic tests. Activities of Daily Living: bathing, feeding, oral care, hair care and other personal hygiene duties and range of motion activities. Applies ointments, creams, shampoos, solutions, etc. per facility policy. Sets up meals, documents consumption, and reports changes in appetite. Able to count calories. Assists with bladder and bowel care, documents output, and reinforces patient education. Actively participate in pressure ulcer prevention per facility/unit protocol. Actively participates in Fall preventions and safety per facility policy Turning patients as ordered. Track input and output Transfers and Lifts: Mobility of patients safely. Use of lift/transfer equipment and good body mechanics per safe patient handling. Supports hospital wide COVID efforts, to include door monitoring, working in multiple clinic locations, working in COVID tent, inpatient, outpatient and administrative areas Supports and assists all Mental Health team members to include but not limited to SW, Pharm, Nutrition Performs non-invasive procedures under the direction of a provider/nurse and records and reports results. Reports behaviors and threats of patient harm to self and others; taking action to keep patient safe. Prevents patient from harm of self and others. Transports, observes and takes action to keep patient safe while on and off the unit. Safely transports patients via wheelchair, gurney or bed; taking actions to keep them safe while off the unit. Maintains cleanliness of patient care area. Float to other units to cover staffing shortages or observe patients on 1:1. Perform environmental rounds once per shift. Perform continuous rounding while on mental health unit. Chart in CPRS. Work Schedule: Varies, must accept all shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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