Nursing Assistant- Mental Health (7A)

Nursing Assistant Position

The Nursing Assistant position is located at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), Murfreesboro, TN campus in Mental Health (7A). This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-5. At the GS-3 and GS-4 grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-5. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance.

Major Job Duties :

• Participates in implementing the healthcare plan by performing tasks delegated by and performed under the supervision and directions of a Registered Nurse
• Performs full range of nursing procedures utilizing appropriate and safe techniques
• Responsible for the reprocessing and cleaning of reusable medical equipment items on the assigned unit
• Provides appropriate verbal information and written facts as a part of a patient-driven holistic care plan for life
• Assures the appropriate / safe use of equipment and supplies
• Follows principles of infection control and safety for a wide range of conditions including implementation of standard precautions and identifying and reporting environmental safety hazards
• Recognizes urgent / emergent situations and follows guidelines and emergency preparedness plan
• Provides for activities of daily living of a group of patients
• Provides technical support to the unit staff
• Orients, coaches and educates staff and students
• Provides monitoring for patients that require close and continuous observation using the AvaSure Telesitter technology

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional :

Functional Statement # : 70315-F, 70316-F, 70317-F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized

Requirements Conditions of Employment :

Qualifications : Basic Requirements :

Grandfathering Provisions :

All NAs 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 :

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.

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 re-entry 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.

GS-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) : Experience and Education : None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment : Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.

GS-4 Nursing Assistant : 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 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), GS-4 : In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs :

Ability to provide a range of patient / resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients / residents.

Ability to observe patients / residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and / or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.

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.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients / residents, their families and other health professionals.

Assignment : 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