Nursing Assistant - Float Pool

About the role

Join the VA Black Hills Health Care System as a Float Pool Nursing Assistant, providing support across multiple care areas! You will deliver direct patient care, assist with activities of daily living, monitor clinical changes, and support Veteran needs in acute, long-term, mental health, and outpatient settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-range nursing care assistance for Veterans with physical or behavioral health needs in varied clinical settings.
• Perform ADLs including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, mobility support, and promoting independence.
• Observe and report subtle changes in condition such as mood, behavior, skin color, or appetite.
• Obtain glucose readings, monitor intake and output, and report abnormal findings promptly.
• Assist with group activities and support treatment plans that promote recovery and autonomy.
• Navigate and respond to emergencies, initiate basic life support, and request assistance as needed.
• Serve as a preceptor/mentor to new NAs and assist with unit orientation.

Requirements

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
• Must be proficient in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.
• Must complete the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Qualifications

• Applicants must meet one of the following to meet the basic requirements for a Nursing Assistant (NA): Six (6) months of general experience, one year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation, or completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA.
• To qualify at the GS-4 level, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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 residents' 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.
• To qualify at the GS-5 level, you must demonstrate the following 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; Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance.