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This position is located at the Lebanon VA Medical Center - Inpatient Mental Health Unit. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a very wide range of patient personal care, support diagnostic services, and chart activities on a regular and continual basis on the hospice unit. 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 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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, Demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 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; 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, Demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, abilities: 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: At least one year of experience as a nursing assistant in mental health. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81, PART II, APPENDIX G46 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: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing, lifting 45 pounds or more, reaching, stretching, and similar activities supporting various weights. Transferring patients and objects may be required. ["Under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse (RN), the nursing assistant (NA) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the RN in the care of patients in acute, subacute, or chronic states of illness. The NA delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for direct patient care within the Mental health inpatient unit and facilitates the appropriate plan of care. Manages patient care by monitoring of psychiatric symptoms, assisting in medical and psychiatric emergencies, assisting patients in performing activities of daily living, gathering of clinical data, such as vital signs, and providing appropriate, clinically sound care. Maintains patient safety and the safety of the environment. Possesses the ability to observe changes in the patient status and notify the charge nurse and identify each patient's requirements relative to their recovery status. Possesses additional skills in identifying and caring for suicidal Veterans and managing disturbed behavior through their specialized training. The NA can be assigned to facilitate therapeutic groups within the milieu. Provides guidance to all caregivers and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team (IDT) regarding the plan of care to support patients' needs. The NA is knowledgeable and demonstrates various de-escalation techniques to safely administer care. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. including weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant - Mental Health/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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