This position is located within the Omaha VA Medical Center, Inpatient Mental Health Services. This Nursing Assistant position provides care to Veterans with a variety of mental health needs on a secure, inpatient unit under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or providers. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (a) Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) (b) 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. (c) 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. Note: A copy of college transcripts is required at the time of application showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the NA occupation, or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant. GRADE DETERMINATION: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 through GS-5. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the qualification criteria outlined below must be met for each grade. To receive full consideration at the GS-4 and -5 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) described below. GS-3 - Entry Level Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 - Developmental Level 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 (transcripts required). 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 - 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 listed 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 (transcripts required). 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46 ["VHA Inpatient Mental Health Services provides evidence-based, recovery-oriented care in a safe, healing environment to eligible Veterans who need that level of care due to severe, acute mental health symptoms. As an element of the continuum of care, inpatient mental health services includes treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, as well as chronic or non-acute medical conditions that require attention during a patient's hospitalization and can be safely managed in that setting. Services are provided in partnership with Veterans and their families, and address the goals of recovery, rehabilitation, improved quality of life, and community integration. The major duties of the Nursing Assistant include, but are not limited to: Performs basic patient care activities and duties as assigned, such as taking vitals and recording measurements. Collects, labels, and delivers any urine, stool, sputum, nasal swabs, nasal washing, and rectal swabs in presence of the patient using two (2) identifiers, as per policy, and delivers to the lab. Obtains and records vitals on patients requiring more than routine vital signs of the patient in alcohol withdrawal or other medically compromised patients. Assembles equipment and supplies at bedside in assistance of RN. Under the guidance of the nurse or provider, prepares and positions the patient and arranges and passes medical supplies and materials to the providers or nurses for a variety of diagnostic tests. Assists patients in activities of daily living including bathing, feeding, oral care, hair care and other personal hygiene duties, range of motion activities. Sets up meals, documents consumption, and reports changes in appetite. Assists with bladder and bowel care, documents output, and reinforces patient education Participates in pressure ulcer prevention per facility/unit protocol. Performs continuous rounding while on mental health unit. Recognizes warning signs of self-destructive and dangerous behaviors, including risk of suicide and violence and act immediately to optimize safety, and report to Inpatient Coordinator or designated staff. Assists ward staff with direct patient care activities as assigned. Work Schedule: This is an intermittent position. Intermittent employment is defined as non-fulltime employment in which employees serve under an excepted or competitive service appointment without a regularly scheduled tour of duty. A position with an intermittent work schedule is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance. This position is located in an inpatient unit requiring night and weekend availability. Work schedule will be discussed in detail during interview. Additional Pay: Weekend Premium - 25% of basic pay for work performed between the hours of midnight Friday and midnight Sunday. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: This position requires some degree of fitness, strength, and ability. Nursing Assistants may be called upon to help position a patient in bed or transport a patient. Nursing Assistants must also have strength to pull and push; stand for long periods of time (8-12 hours); lifting moderately heavy objects with assistive devices; walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching above shoulders. Visual and auditory acuity is required (correctable with glasses/hearing devices) to perform assessments, monitor equipment, collect data, etc. Fine motor skills are required to grasp and control medical equipment and perform precise procedures. Due to the nature of this position, the Nursing Assistant must be strong enough to withstand disturbances from patients and be able to restrain if necessary. This position requires a great deal of patience in dealing with Veterans suffering from severe emotional and/or behavioral symptoms."]

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