The Acute Psychiatric unit has a recovery-based atmosphere with Veteran's care at the center of our focus. This is a 27 bed male acute psychiatric unit with ages ranging from 20 to 78 years. The Nursing Assistant performs basic nursing duties up to the full performance under close supervision in a variety of health care settings such as outpatient, inpatient, home or community living care, acute, sub-acute. The NA will care for patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions. 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 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. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 NA (Entry Level) - Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 NA - 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). 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. GS-5 NA (Full Performance Level) - 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, 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 NAs 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. Preferred Experience: BLS Certification One year experience in geriatrics One year experience in mental health References: : VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards, GS-0621. 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: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Pushing ; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); emotional stability. ["The CTVHCS is recruiting for a highly qualified Nursing Assistant (Acute Psych) for Nursing Service located in Waco, Texas. Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: CLINICAL PRACTICE - All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. Will learn to appropriately utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned veteran. Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship 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. The NA is technical in performing, reporting, and recording assigned nursing care, including, but not limited to: Administers oxygen therapy 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 properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures including, but not limited to bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, and specimen collection. COMMUNICATION - Demonstrates basic skill in identifying the individual's level of understanding and teaching the client and/or significant other about the basic concepts to his/her disease process, utilizing the standards of care and documenting client's response. Provides verbal and/or written information in a timely manner that is accurate, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand. Makes observations and documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. COLLABORATION/COLLEGIALITY - Demonstrates basic communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers. Practices good customer service in all work activities. Displays courtesy, empathy, tact, and respect for patients, families/significant others, and hospital staff. Remains calm in stressful situations. Promotes personal and professional integrity in the workplace. 1.5. Uses the proper chain of command for communication. PROGRAM/ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS - Supports the mission, vision, and values of the Healthcare system. Completes annual nursing mandatory reviews and continuous learning requirements. Demonstrates understanding for age- and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. ON-GOING EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND COMPETENCY VALIDATION - Basic Life Support (BLS) is required for NA's in direct patient care positions per policy. Incumbent will complete orientation, annual competency requirements, and on-going mandatory education. The NA will complete all mandatory trainings within appropriate timelines. The NA will actively participate in annual competency assessment and validation. CONTINUED ACCREDITATION READINESS - Responsible for ensuring his/her actions contribute to a mode of continued accreditation readiness regarding Joint Commission (TJC), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), VA surveyors, Laboratory College of American Pathologists (CAP), and other survey teams. Can articulate standards of care and practice, policies and procedures/SOPs; documentation is complete and timely; has situational awareness of safety and other environment of care issues; initiates corrective actions (\"If not me, who? If not now, when?\"); maintains safety and infection control standards; strictly protects verbal, written, and electronic patient personal and health information; maintains a professional, healthcare business environment; participates in and can articulate performance improvement data and how it impacts patient care. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts; Nights/Weekends/Holidays; Based on the needs of the unit to include days, evenings, and night shifts including weekends. Primary shift schedules are: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. - 12am; and 11:30 pm. - 8:00 am. Other tours of duty that may be utilized are: 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. - to 8:00 a.m.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Nursing Assistant (Acute Psych)/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]