The Nursing Assistant is responsible for observing, recording and reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan for life. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 05/18/2023. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year. English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistant must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-03 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 Nursing Assistant Experience: One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR Education: Successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians; AND In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3. 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. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-05 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level) Experience: One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; OR Education: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND 1. 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. 2. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new [NAs] by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. 3. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. Preferred Experience: 1. Certification preferred. 2. 6 months to a year experience preferred. 3. Long-term care/rehab experience. 4. Hands-on experience at bedside/patient care. 5. Dementia-experience preferred. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46 dated March 12, 2015. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05. Physical Requirements: The position will require moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44) pounds, straight pulling (3 hours), pushing (3 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (8 hours), standing (3.5 hours), kneeling (0.5 hours), and repeated bending (1 hour). ["The Nursing Assistant is assigned in the in-patient care areas demonstrates active collaboration and communication with RN, Patient, Primary Care Provider, and other care team members. The Nursing Assistant must establish a positive rapport with family/caregiver, internal and community based services and disciplines involved in providing care to the patient. The Nursing Assistant assigned to the out-patient care areas demonstrates active collaboration and communication with Team let Patient, Primary Care Provider, and RN Care Manager and Larger Team family/caregiver, internal and community based services and disciplines involved in providing care to the patient. The Nursing Assistant will assist the Registered Nurse 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. Participate in the coordination of care focused on patient transition through the continuum of care, patient and family education, patient self-management after discharge, and supporting factors that impact customer satisfaction. Considers all characteristics of the individual, including age and life stages, state of health, race and culture, values, and previous experiences. Administers care per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in unit/program level quality improvement processes and initiatives as well as customer service programs. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 8:00pm or 7:30pm to 8:00am Compressed: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Note: This is a Bargaining Unit Position."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
