This position is located in the Mental Health Inpatient. The Nursing Assistant will be provided direct and indirect care to psychiatric inpatients. Also serves as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team in motivating patients and redirecting their behavior toward treatment plan goals. These patients have a wide range of psychiatric illnesses, often accompanied by medical complications. The treatment objectives are established by the treatment team. 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 for GS-3. Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical per 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. 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: Grade Determinations: GS-5 (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. Examples of qualifying experience include, but may not be limited to functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting licensed nursing staff, and other members of a care team 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs 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 Knowledge, Skills, and abilities (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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81 PART II APPENDIX G46 MARCH 12, 2015 Preferred Experience: At least one year experience working inpatient Mental Health The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling three hours; Pushing three hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking 8-12 hours; Standing 8-12 hours; Kneeling three hours; Repeated bending four hours; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Specific visual requirement; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Specific hearing requirements; ["The Nursing Assistant functions as a responsible member of the nursing staff. Duties below are at the full performance level, include but not limited to: Encourages and assists patients in activities of daily living. Accounts for the location of patients; assists/participates in the application of manual or mechanical restraints. Escorts patients to appointments, activities, meals, etc. Participates in the admission of patients to the unit, checking them for contraband, orienting them, and helping them to feel more comfortable. Takes and records vital signs, collects, and delivers specimens, assists with physical exams. Works with patients using a variety of treatment procedures in groups (i.e., reality orientation, small group therapy) or individually (one-to-one therapy) to explore their behavior, assume responsibility, and to accept consequences of poor judgment or non-acceptable behavior. Identifies and meets needs of patients for activities of daily living, involvement in activities, understanding of illness, and discharge planning. Chart's patients physical and emotional progress using the SOAP format. Incumbent describes behavior changes and interactions among patients and staff. Document's nursing intervention and the patient's response to intervention. Incumbent provides atmosphere and a forum for a therapeutic relationship with patients by providing the opportunity for self-expression and appropriate self-motivated behavior by communicating acceptance or empathy and clear verbal feedback in a non-threatening manner. Supports multidisciplinary activities, i.e., Art Therapy, Recreational Therapy and Occupational Therapy by eliciting patient participation and explaining the concept and theoretical basis in a manner in which the patient understands. Participates with nurses in developing and implementing a plan of care. Provides supportive assistance for the \"Special Precaution\" therapeutic mode by maintaining contact with the patient, relative to their status. Observes and reports desired effects or side effects of psychotropic medications. Performs patient care treatment such as foot soaks, dressing changes, administration of enemas, etc. Works with other disciplines in developing a plan of care by attending and participating in Treatment Planning Conferences. Participates in team meetings, community meetings, and other therapeutic groups by sharing thoughts and feelings in reference to what is going on and in reference to behavior of the participants. Monitors the use of hazardous items. Secures patient's valuables, baggage, and clothing. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating tours\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #: 00235F, 00234F, 00233F,\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]