Nursing Assistant - Mental Health

$32,460 - $53,287/Yr

United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Charleston, SC

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Charleston, SC

Administration of Human Resource Programs

About the position

The Nursing Assistant - Mental Health position at the US Veterans Health Administration involves providing essential care and support to veterans with mental health needs. The role focuses on maintaining therapeutic relationships, monitoring patient conditions, and assisting with daily living activities while ensuring a safe and clean environment. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals looking to start their career in healthcare, particularly in a mental health setting.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for veterans and refers deviations to appropriate health care staff.
• Maintains positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families, and significant others.
• Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting, and recording patient/resident observations.
• Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition and takes action accordingly within the NA's assigned role.
• Learns to utilize principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients.
• Reports patient observations to the RN and/or other members of the treatment team.
• Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning.
• Organizes and obtains routine supplies and equipment.
• Assists with orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies.
• Utilizes equipment to promote veteran self-care, such as lift equipment and Hydro sound Tubs.
• Verbally provides patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in the veteran/residents' plan of care.
• Participates in treatment team meetings for resident care planning.
• Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the patient/resident.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Six months of general experience or one year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation.
• Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant may also meet the experience requirements.
• Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan.
• Ability to observe patients/residents' physical or emotional status and refer deviations to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families, and other health professionals.

Nice-to-haves

• 2-5 years of mental health experience and/or direct patient care experience.

Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment
• Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options.