Inpatient Nursing Assistant

Patient Care Service Nursing Assistant

This position is located on the inpatient units, resource management, and in the escort department. Incumbents in this position are responsible for the entire scope of patient care, to include direct patient care, patient admission, discharge, transfer, errand duties, and delivery of medical supplies / equipment when needed.

All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. Bathes patients and changes linens. Positions patient and provides pillows and blankets for comfort; adheres to turning schedules. Prepares patient for safe transport; providing comfort, safety and dignity. Transports patients safely. Fills water pitchers. Measures and records vital signs, intake and outputs, weights and other measurements. Provides mouth, eye and nose care. Provides Foley catheter and peritoneal care. Communicates all care with patient, giving special attention to details of care since patients are often too ill to provide care. Observes patient for changes in condition, such as color, respirations, drainage, level of consciousness etc., and reports changes to Registered Nurse assigned to care and / or Charge Nurse. Assists patient with bedpan and urinal. Provides 1 : 1 observation for patients at risk for suicide or harm per policy / procedure. Provides care to 1 : 1 patient. Checks restraints for proper application and patient comfort. Keeps bedside and patient room neat and uncluttered. Promotes a sense of worth and dignity to the patient by addressing him / her properly (Mr. / Mrs.) and in a courteous manner. Documents an flow sheets and in CPRS with clear description of observations and actions performed and patient responses. Varies order and sequence of assigned procedures based on patient condition and adjusts to changes in work assignment in a professional and pleasant manner. Properly collects specimens and assures proper labeling and security of lids and bagging in biohazard bag before sending for processing. Makes sure that the responsible person is aware of patient's and / or specimen's arrival before leaving the unit. Assures that patients arrive at designated areas for tests and / or treatments on time. Transports and remains with patients when sent to other departments within the facility. Utilizes the ticket to ride for patient transport and ensures handoff. Takes care of patient's non-routine care and comfort needs. Provides careful observation to ensure that intravenous fluids; oxygen, nasal gastric, urinary and / or other drainage tubing or chest tubes remain intact. Performs complex dressing changes with application of simple ointments. Reports any problems to the Registered Nurse and / or Charge Nurse. Uses universal precaution and isolation techniques to protect the patient and others against infection. Reports and records significant data on proper forms, and in CPRS accurately and completely. Reports and records significant data regarding changes in patient condition when indicated. Communicates effectively with all levels of health care personnel, patients, visitors, families, etc. in person and via telephone, using proper terminology and speaking in a professional manner. Participates in hourly rounds, ensure the patient environment is safe from clutter, bedside table and essential items are within reach, call light is within reach, toileting and positioning needs are met. Obtains places and manages telemetry boxes and leads per established policy and procedure. Secures patients properly in wheelchairs and / or stretchers for safe, comfortable transport and ensures patient is fully covered. Uses sound body mechanics and safe patient handling equipment. Assists the patient in the use of assistive devices as indicated and recognizes patient's post-operative and post-procedural needs. Will appropriately utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned patient. Maintains a positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and / or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient / resident observations. Complies with infection control guidelines, such as hand washing, restocking gloves, replacing sharps containers and keeping work surfaces clean. Properly disposes of soiled / contaminated dressings and linens in the appropriate receptacle. Participates in facility, service and unit performance improvement activities. Implements recommendations from surveys and monitors to achieve maximum patient satisfaction.

Work Schedule : Full Time 3 : 30pm to 12am (8 hour shift) or 7 : 00pm to 7 : 30am (12 hour shift) with rotating weekends & holidays

Telework : Not Available

Virtual : This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement : FS00278

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report : Not Required

Requirements Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background / security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

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.

English Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

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-04 Experience and Education : 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) : 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.

GS-05 Experience and Education : 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, 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 Demonstrated KSAs : 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. Ability to communicate orally with patients / residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new Nursing Assistants by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing / assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. 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

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.

Physical Requirements : This position requires walking. standing, stooping, lifting (not more than 10 lbs.), bending, pushing