Acute Care Nursing Assistant

Summary

This position is utilized on the inpatient units and in the Escort Department of the medical center. Incumbents in this position are responsible for the entire scope of patient care to include direct patient care, assisting with patient admissions, discharges, transfers, errand duties, and delivery of medical supplies/equipment when needed. Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) is a Level 1B interdisciplinary teaching facility.

Duties

• All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task.
• Providing personal nursing care such as providing pre- and post-operative care.
• Support duties for diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.
• Caring for mentally ill patients, including observing, recording, and reporting changes in their behavior, and providing reassurance and encouragement.
• Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients.
• Provides Foley catheter and peritoneal care.
• Communicates all care with patients, giving special attention to details of care since patients may be too ill to provide care.
• Observes patient for changes in condition, such as color, respirations, drainage, level of consciousness, etc., and reports changes to Registered Nurse assigned to care and/or Charge Nurse.
• Assists patient with bedpan and urinal.
• Provides 1:1 observation for patients at risk for suicide or harm per policy/procedure.
• Provides care to 1:1 patient.
• Checks restraints for proper application and patient comfort.
• Keeps bedside and patient room neat and uncluttered.
• Promotes a sense of worth and dignity to the patient by addressing him/her properly (Mr./Mrs.) and in a courteous manner.
• Documents on flow sheets and in CPRS with clear description of observations and actions performed and patient responses.
• Adjusts to changes in work assignment in a professional and pleasant manner.
• Properly collects specimens and assures proper labeling and security of lids and bagging in biohazard bag before sending for processing.
• Ensures the responsible person is aware of patient's and/or specimen arrival before leaving the unit Assures patients arrive at designated areas for tests and/or treatments on time.
• Transports and remains with patients when sent to other departments within the facility.
• Utilizes the ticket to ride for patient transport and ensures handoff.
• Takes care of patient's non-routine care and comfort needs.
• Provides careful observation to ensure that intravenous fluids, oxygen, nasogastric, urinary and/or other drainage tubing or chest tubes remain intact.
• Reports any problems to the Registered Nurse and/or Charge Nurse.
• Provides and/or assists with emergency care (initiates CPR, applies pressure to bleeding sites, positions patients on side if vomiting occurs, etc.).
• Uses universal precautions and isolation techniques to protect the patient and others against infection.
• Reports and records significant data on proper forms, and in CPRS accurately and completely.
• Reports and records significant data regarding changes in patient condition when indicated.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of health care personnel, patients, visitors, families, etc. in person and via telephone, using proper terminology and speaking in a professional manner.
• Participates in hourly rounds, ensures the patient environment is safe from clutter, bedside table and essential items are within reach, call light is within reach, offers and assists with toileting and positioning needs to prevent falls.
• Manages telemetry boxes and leads per established policy and procedure.
• Secures patients properly in wheelchairs and/or stretchers for safe, comfortable transport.
• Uses sound body mechanics and safe patient handling equipment.
• Assists the patient in the use of assistive devices as indicated and recognizes patient's post-operative and post-procedural needs.
• Utilizes glucometer to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned patients.
• Schedule: Full Time 3:30pm to 12am(8hour shift) or 7:00pm to 7:30am(12hour shift) with rotating weekends & holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement: 62143F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station(PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure
• Report: Not Required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S.
• Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Required Documents

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
• REQUIRED: Resume/ CV. Your resume or
• CV should include the vacancy announcement information and personal information including: current/ prior
• Federal service information, education information, work experience which includes job title, duties, and responsibilities, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and telephone number, starting and ending dates of employment, hours worked per week, and salary.
• Please indicate whether your supervisor(s) can be contacted.
• REQUIRED: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your most recent
• SF 50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
• REQUIRED: VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health
• Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
• REQUIRED: Unofficial copy of your transcript.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former
• Federal employees), etc.