Responsibilities:

• Provide personal nursing care to patients, including assistance with feeding, walking, lifting, and turning patients, as well as providing hygiene care using specialized equipment.
• Monitor and report deviations in vital signs and changes in patients' conditions to the nurse or physician, including conditions such as diabetic coma, insulin shock, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
• Assist with diagnostic examinations and procedures under the direction of medical staff, such as lumbar punctures, liver biopsies, and emergency procedures.
• Prepare and position patients for procedures, collect and transport specimens to the laboratory, and maintain cleanliness and functionality of equipment used in oxygen and suction therapy.
• Perform treatment procedures including changing dressings, caring for patients with communicable diseases or infection isolation, and administering basic life support measures.
• Collaborate with nurses to contribute information to Nursing Care Plans, document vital signs and patient conditions in medical records, and assist with patients' admission history.
• Promote patients' physical independence by supervising and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), instructing patients on pre and post-operative care, and supporting patients in self-care activities.
• Conduct inventories upon admission and as needed, conduct contraband searches, and participate in evaluations of the mental health environment of care.
• Accompany mental health patients to appointments outside of the mental health unit as required.
• Adhere to VHA and AVAHCS regulations and maintain compliance with all facility policies and procedures.
• May be required to work with COVID-19 positive patients or Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19.

Qualifications:

• Current certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) from any state in the United States, or certification as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) or Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) if applicable.
• Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Basic Life Support (BLS) accredited by the American Heart Association.
• Minimum of two years of experience working as a CNA or in a related skill set, with experience within the last six months preferred.
• Strong understanding of basic nursing principles and patient care techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Proficiency in documenting patient information and following established procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position with varying shifts based on patient care needs, including weekends and holidays as required.