Hospice Nursing Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Hospice Nursing Assistant
• Setting: Hospice Unit (GEC Service)
• Schedule: Six 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift every 2 weeks

Description

Assist with direct patient/resident care for veterans with acute to chronic conditions in a hospice setting. You will monitor for subtle changes, document care and responses, perform nursing procedures within your scope of practice, and escalate concerns to nursing staff as appropriate. The role also supports treatment plans, group activities, and patient self-care using specialized equipment.

Responsibilities

• Utilize glucose monitoring equipment to obtain readings and refer deviations to appropriate healthcare staff
• Provide direct care for complex veterans
• Observe subtle changes in condition (behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc.) and take action within the assigned role
• Document care given, observations, and responses on appropriate tools/forms
• Respond appropriately to patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personnel
• Administer complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning
• Monitor and document patient intake and output accurately and in a timely manner
• Perform nursing procedures within scope of practice and per policies (e.g., enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care/simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices)
• Support small group activities according to the patients’/residents’ treatment plan
• Recognize residents’ autonomy and promote independence through respect, limit setting, and individualized treatment
• Actively participate in Treatment Planning Meetings
• Use equipment to promote self-care (e.g., lift equipment, Hydro sound tubs, wandering system)

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete VA online onboarding and pre-employment requirements with acceptable identification
• Pass pre-employment physical examination
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Urinalysis may be required for certain selected candidates; refusal results in denial of employment
• Ability to meet VA trial period requirements (1–2 years) for continued employment
• Basic qualification criteria: six months of general experience OR one year of education above high school with related coursework OR an intensive occupation-related NA training course of less than one year

Benefits

A federal employee career provides a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees; eligibility and specific benefits depend on the type of position held.