The Atlanta VAMC located in downtown Atlanta is recruiting for a Nursing Assistant to work in Mental Health Unit within the Medical Center. THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA), which closes on 9/30/24. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be on or about 1/31/24 with subsequent reviews every two weeks as additional vacancies occur or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. 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. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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-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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for [NAs]. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. [NAs] at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Preferred Experience: A minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with Patients with Mental Health Illness and Substance Use disorders. References: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS5. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Job Duties Mental Health Nursing Assistant: The Domiciliary Mental Health Nursing Assistant (MHA)/NA position is located at Ft. McPherson DRRTP. The MHA/ Nursing Assistant is a direct care provider whom, at the full performance level, is responsible for delivering nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems. The MHA/NA performs all duties under the direction of the RN and LPN. The MHA/NA may be assigned clinical and non-clinical duties. Work assignments may consist of clinical and environmental tasks. Additionally, the MHA/NA will perform the following duties: Communicating with RNs, LPNs, and the Nurse Manager; Providing nursing care to patients including support with activities of daily living, Making scheduled and continuous safety rounds. Recognizing and responding to patient information that required RN review and/or action based on appropriate training and guidelines; taking and recording patient's blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, and collects specimen. Assisting the Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Registered Nurse with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; Assist in applying external safety devices, and other supportive devices. Providing orientation training and guidance to new staff members Recognizing urgent and emergent patient care conditions, seeking assistance of the RN and/or MD/NP, and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed Establishing constructive relationships with individual patients and their caregivers; Incorporating knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. Work Schedule: 7:30am-8:00pm Functional Statement #: 508-505684 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not offered"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.