Nursing Assistant - ASU​/PACU

This position is located in Lebanon, PA. The incumbent practices as a Nursing Assistant (NA) in the Ambulatory Surgical Unit (ASU)/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) areas Nursing Section of Patient Care Service (PCS), within the Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The primary purpose of the position is to assist and serve medical providers and nursing staff in collecting and performing a variety of tasks related to diagnostics and procedures within their scope of practice, as well as the completion of clerical and administrative duties. The candidate uses therapeutic communication with patients while showing concern for the safety, whereabouts, and welfare of all patients on the unit.

Core elements of performance include developing knowledge and active participation in unit/program level quality improvement processes and initiatives and customer service programs. Assigned tasks require basic technical competence and skill.

Major duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

* Receives orders or instructions for interventions/procedures and/or set up for interventions/procedures. Interprets requests or instructions and completes administrative processes, required for action, in collaboration with medical and nursing personnel. Receives and completes assignments for a variety of complex tasks.

* Assist medical/nursing staff with or performs diagnostic procedures used to assist in diagnosis of medical conditions. Performs procedures using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient conditions or test sequences. Assists in the performance of invasive procedures within scope. Uses a practical knowledge of the location and function of major body organs and structures to position the patient and/or connect monitoring equipment to take optimum advantage of equipment capabilities.

Makes continuing adjustments to equipment and positions as results are interpreted. Sets up all necessary accessories or supplies. Ensures proper equipment cleaning and performs minor maintenance and adjustments. Provides assistance of technical, specialized, or supportive nature to healthcare personnel in the diagnosis or treatment of patient illnesses, injuries, or health conditions. Support healthcare personnel in tests and procedures to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Operates, cleans, and maintains instruments and equipment for diagnostic and treatment procedures.

* Performs a range of clinical support duties, such as, but not limited to, taking, recording, and reporting to medical or nursing professional any deviations in vital signs, specimen collections, and labeling of specimens. Arranges and passes appropriate medical instruments and material to professional healthcare staff for a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures including

* Performing 12 lead EKGs, 12 lead rhythm strip, bladder scanning, manual blood pressures, etc.

* Makes gross visual observations and identifies subtle changes regarding the patients' condition and reports these appropriately and within scope of practice

* Provides patient care and sets up and completes interventions that require auxiliary equipment

* Performs full range of procedures within scope of practice

* Monitors patients for adverse reactions and takes corrective action based on established policy

* Documents in patient computerized chart, directs patient care duties and patient safety

* Assists during procedures by monitoring patient's condition and recording reactions

* Recognizes deviations in patient's condition and takes appropriate action

* Reinforces teaching or provides instruction within scope and involving interventions teaching of patients and family members the necessity of continuing proper health care

* Reinforces counseling on health subjects including nutrition, care of minor injuries and illnesses, and home care of diseases

Work Schedule:

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave:
After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy:
After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement:
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance:
Federal…