Details
Posted: 04-May-22
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 652173200
The Fargo VA Health Care System (HCS) is a Joint Commission accredited medical/surgical hospital with 22 acute care beds, a 38 bed Community Living Center, Primary Care and Specialty Clinics, and 10 Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). The Fargo VA HCS oversees the provision of health care to more than 36,000 Veterans. The Fargo VA HCS has approximately 300,000 outpatient visits annually. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/23/2022 BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (a) Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) (b) 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. (c) 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. Preferred Experience: Certified Nursing Assistant License preferred but not required. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-3 Grade Determinations: (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Grade Determinations: (a) Experience. One year of specialized experience as a NA 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, (b) 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 (transcripts required); AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 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. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. (d) Assignment. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded [NAs], licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 Grade Determinations: (a) 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, (b) 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 (transcripts required); AND (c) Demonstrated KSAs: 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. 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. 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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 through GS-5. Physical Requirements: Rotation of tour assignments may be necessary. The work includes: lifting, walking, pushing, stooping, reaching, standing, and bending. There is a need to use proper body mechanics. A variety of mechanical equipment is available to assist in providing patient care which involves lifting, pushing, etc. Possible exposure to contagious disease. Possible exposure to combative and assaultive patients. Rotation to various nursing units. ["The Fargo VA Health Care System (HCS) Rehab and Extended Community Living Center is recruiting for one Intermittent Nursing Assistant. The CLC is a 38 bed unit that specializes in caring for veterans in need of transitional care. This includes but is not limited to caring for veterans in need of wound care, placement, radiation, chemotherapy, rehabilitation, antibiotic therapy, and hospice care. Duties Include: Reports changes in Veteran's condition to the registered nurse, as well as the Veteran's acceptance and response to nursing care. Gives individual care and attention to acutely and chronically ill Veterans. Assists with transfers, ambulation and all activities of daily living. After having instruction, assembles, operates and cares for special equipment used for Veteran care. Observes flow of IV fluids and reports findings to a nurse. Performs colostomy care. Takes and records blood glucose monitoring and reports findings to nurse. Obtains and records temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, pulse oximetry, height, weight and I&O. Ensures correct placement of O2 via nasal cannula/mask. Transports patients to tests and procedures as directed. Demonstrates skills, knowledge and ability to use and reprocess reusable medical equipment appropriate to assigned duties. Work Schedule: Eight hour shift times from 6:00am to 2:30pm and 3:30pm to 12:00am. Shift times include the rotation of weekends and holidays.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]