The Nursing Assistant/Certified Nursing Assistant is accountable to the licensed nurse for providing basic nursing care to adult and geriatric patients. Daily assignment, supervision, and review of work for technical soundness and conformity to policy, procedure, and standards are provided by the Registered Nurse. The incumbent performs duties of the position in a manner that is appropriate to the age of patients/families served. 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 [NA] occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year [ ] as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. English Language Proficiency. [NAs] must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Preferred Criteria: Completion of education or training as a nursing assistant. Basic Life Support (BLS) provider card issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) or Military Training Network (MTN) Restorative Nursing Assistant Certification Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Entry Level Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Experience: One year of specialized experience 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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-5 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 Demonstrated KSAs 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46 Nurse Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621, dated March 12, 2015, http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf The full performance level of this vacancy is 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 5. ["Major Duties and Responsibilities to include but not be limited to: Consistently communicates with patients/residents, coworkers, and other customers in a positive unified manner. Does not use inappropriate language or body gestures that could be interrupted as negative behavior(s). Treats everyone with respect. Properly handles and protects confidential, sensitive and personally identifiable information. Properly disposes of confidential, sensitive and personally identifiable information according to policy and/or directive. Notifies supervisor before the end of the workday of shortcomings in the delivery of care and service to internal and external customers; dissatisfied patient/family, any perceived violation of law or official wrongdoing including fraud, waste; violations of VA core values (I CARE). Performs procedures timely, accurately and thoroughly, such as obtaining vital .signs, weights, blood sugar checks, skin checks, delivery of meal trays, turning/repositioning etc. Maintains the patient bedside space in a neat, clean, safe, stocked and orderly manner. Uses supplies and equipment in an appropriate and cost-effective manner. Reports broken equipment to Charge Nurse. Work Schedule: Varies - Service determines Tour of Duty to meet the needs of the unit/patients. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized for highly Qualified Candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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.
