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- Tasks: Support veterans by providing essential nursing care in various healthcare settings.
- Company: Join the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, dedicated to serving those who served us.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, parental leave, childcare subsidies, and a solid retirement plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on veterans' lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including nights and weekends, to fit your schedule.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 58000 £ per year.
This Nursing Assistant position is within the Nursing, Operations service at VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System in Leeds, MA.
The Nursing Assistant (NA) performs basic nursing duties under close supervision in a variety of health care settings such as inpatient, outpatient, Community Living Center (CLC), Acute Mental Health/Detox, and Resident Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (RRTP). The NA will care for patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions, performing and documenting prescribed medical treatment and interventions for patients, such as diabetic urine testing and blood testing, simple dressing changes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families, and/or significant others utilizing communication skills.
- Utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting, and recording.
- Participate in patient-centered conferences/shift reports, contributing information for the development and review of the nursing care plan.
- Maintain a therapeutic environment for patients according to established procedures and policies.
- Perform aspects of nursing care to meet patients/residents needs for personal hygiene, physical comfort, activity, exercise, rest, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, and rehabilitative aspects of care.
- Engage in group activities such as off-station trips, reality orientation, current events, and other therapeutic groups with direction and close supervision.
- Monitor patients according to levels of observation and report patient status to the RN.
- Set up patient care related equipment and assist in monitoring proper function of equipment.
- Assist with patient education including orienting patient and family to unit routines and policies.
- Work as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team.
- Safeguard the patient's right to privacy by protecting confidential information.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 11:30pm to 8am; Every other weekend and rotating Holidays.
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Conditions of Employment:
- 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.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications:
- Six months of general experience or one year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA.
Physical Requirements: Work involves varying periods of sitting, standing, and walking. Working with Veterans/residents requires bending, stooping, teaching, lifting, balancing, kneeling, pushing, and similar activities.
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant employer: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Contact Detail:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties and responsibilities of a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant. Understanding the nuances of patient care, especially in a psychiatric setting, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have in psychiatric care or similar environments. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you successfully managed patient interactions or contributed to a therapeutic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for situational interview questions that may focus on your ability to handle challenging behaviours or emergencies. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Psychiatric Nursing Assistant position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in psychiatric nursing or related fields. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in patient care, communication, and teamwork.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills that align with the job requirements, such as proficiency in medical procedures, ability to maintain therapeutic relationships, and experience with patient monitoring. Use bullet points for clarity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and presented professionally.
How to prepare for a job interview at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties mentioned, such as patient care and monitoring.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and empathetically. You might be asked about how you would handle difficult conversations with patients or their families, so think of examples from your past experiences.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have previous experience in psychiatric nursing or related fields, be sure to highlight it. Discuss specific situations where you provided care, managed crises, or worked as part of a healthcare team. This will show that you are well-prepared for the challenges of the role.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the types of patients you would be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
