Nursing Assistant - Acute Medical/Surgical Units

RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES MAY BE AUTHORIZED~

SUMMARY:
The Certified Nursing Assistant is a member of the Acute Care Team, providing assistance to the providers, nursing leadership team, registered nurses, and other team members. The CNA demonstrates the knowledge and ability to provide care to Veteran patients within the Acute Care Service Line. This service line cares for patients admitted to an inpatient medical-surgical inpatient hospital unit at VA Puget Sound, Patient Care Service Line.
Patients may have a combination of acute or chronic health conditions, diminished cognitive functioning, including dementia, mild to severe disability, or receiving palliative or hospice care. Veteran patients have diverse cultural backgrounds, including race, gender orientation, or religion. The NA must demonstrate the ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing care team and interact with Veterans, family members, other health care professionals and other employees of the organization. The NA participates with the health care team to deliver quality care to Veterans while they are admitted to the hospital.
The duties and responsibilities of CNA include but are not limited to:
CNA, GS-3 (Entry Level).
PROVISION OF CARE: The NA on the acute care units develops their practice and adheres to a high level of respect and knowledge of veteran patient rights and responsibilities. The NAs practice includes all activities of daily living, and general nursing duties and tasks to help the team restore the veteran patient to the highest level of independence or remain comfortable toward the end of life. The NA supports the unit operations and can be assigned clinical and non-clinical duties.
1. Participates in activity and actions to improve the quality of care for veteran patients to include fall and pressure sore prevention; that includes learning to implement the organization's prevention guidelines on falls and pressure sores, and the veteran's specific plan of care.
2. The Nursing Assistant ensures the Veteran is wearing the correct identification bracelet.
3. Employee adheres to responsibility of timely maintenance of all education required, including: TMS, BLS, HIPAA and Privacy training.
4. Assists patients in personal hygiene, rest and eating. Feeds and bathes patients who require assistance. Helps patients in and out of bed, and with mobile devices. Instructs and assists patients in the skills necessary to gain independence in activities of daily living.
CNA, GS-4 (Developmental Level).
1. Prepares patients for tests, examinations, treatments and for surgery. Collect's specimens such as urine, sputum and stool. Labels specimens for laboratory examinations. Performs blood glucose tests as appropriate. Cleans and maintains equipment with appropriate RME disinfectant.
2. Initiates Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation in accordance with established Medical Center policy and initiates other emergency procedures as necessary, including fire and disaster. Demonstrates safe body mechanics.
3. Observes and reports patient's physical and mental status, reporting unusual changes to the RN. Report's information obtained from patients and or family and participates in developing a plan of care. Assists with admission, discharge, and transfer of patients.
4. Performs other assignments designated by the nurse in charge that are essential to the care of patients and appropriate to his/her level of training.
CNA, GS-5 (Full Performance Level).
1. Knowledge of safe handling practices (i.e., precautions and measures for handling of hazardous waste) working with patients who receive Hazardous Medications and the disposal of bodily fluids contaminated with Hazardous Medications including knowledge of unit radiation safety precautions.
2. Knowledge and skill of medical terminology and observational skills sufficient to report the patient's physical and emotional reactions to care. Effective communication skills for reporting and recording pertinent information to the nursing and medical staff.
3. Knowledge and skill sufficient to use standardized nursing principles, procedures, equipment, and supplies for providing nursing care to assigned patients.
4. Knowledge of skills sufficient to assist in the teaching of patients in activities of daily living.

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.
• Education or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant (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.
• Preferred Experience: Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41,013.00 - $66,957.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Medical specialties:

• Medical-Surgical

Physical setting:

• Hospital

Standard shift:

• Day shift
• Night shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Differential pay
• Signing bonus

Weekly schedule:

• Rotating weekends

Application Question(s):

• Education/training requirement: 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. (Must provide transcripts and/or certificate)
• Are you a U.S. citizen?
• Please provide your personal email.

Work Location: In person