You will be assigned to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital/ VA Medical Center as Nursing Assistant for the Med/Surg Acute Care-4A unit. As a responsible member of the Med/Surg team you will interact with Veterans, family members, and an interdisciplinary team of professionals 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. 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-03. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. 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 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, 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: 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. 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. Preferred Experience: BLS Certified 3 years Patient Care Experience Cardiac/Medical/Surgical experience References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards, GS-0621. 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 work consists of Functional and Environmental Factors Functional requirements: Moderate lifting,15-44 pounds Climbing, use of arms and legs Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds Both legs required Straight pulling (1 hour) Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Pushing (1-3 hours) Near Vision correctable at 13' to "16 to Jaeger 1 to 4 Reaching above shoulder Specific visual requirement: 20/40 DVA; corrected Use of fingers Both eyes required Both hands required Ability to distinguish basic colors Walking (4 hours) Hearing (aid may be permitted) Standing (2-7 hours) Sitting (8 hours) Kneeling ( 2 hours) Simple grasping (2-4 hours) Repeated bending (2 hours) Fine manipulation (including Keyboarding 4-6 hours) Twisting (2 hours) Mental and emotional stability Environmental factors: Outside and inside Slippery or uneven walking surfaces Excessive heat Excessive cold Working closely with others Working alone Dust Exposure to TB & other disease Working in patient homes ["The Nursing assistant's primary purpose will be to serve in a capacity as a member of the nursing team, performing a variety of nursing assignments of general nature; administering care to patients and support to providers and nurses in the performance of personal care; assisting with diagnostic examinations; and treating the patient, family/significant other/co-workers and peers with respect and courtesy at all times. Some basic computer skills will be essential to performing your duties as a Nurse Assistant. You will be required to enter specific information into the patients' electronic records or charts using standard medical terminology. You will be responsible for teaching patients and family members the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care and encouraging patients in self-care activities within their individual capacities as outline on their care plan. You will be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Nursing Assistant provides technical nursing care to the adult and geriatric patients according to the established plan of care by the health care team. Diagnostic and therapeutic duties which includes, but may not be limited to the following: obtaining and recording vital signs, measuring and recording intake and outputs, Accucheck blood glucose monitoring and recording, provide all aspects of ADL's to include, toileting, ambulating, transporting, feeding, bathing, bed making, turning and positioning patients; providing oral, nail, hair and related hygiene care; may include tube feedings; assisting physician or nurse with diagnostic procedures and exams; suctioning mouth and larynx; performs a range of treatment procedures which includes using hot and cold packs; discontinuing I.V. catheters, performs EKG's, bladder scans, colostomy care and other procedures as specified by nursing policy; Incumbent also recognizes emergency situations; initiates CPR and seeks assistance. Patient Education and Planned Activities: Participates in group meetings to help patients share feelings, improve socialization skills and enhance their self-esteem; Applies knowledge of human behavior and the various degrees of physical and mental impairment, is able to reinforce patient/family teaching provided by the registered nurse; Assists the professional nurse in planning and implementation of patient educational or recreational activities; Motivates patients to participate in learning and recreational activities to improve their quality of life. Assessment and Communication: Is able to recognize patient care management difficulties or problems and brings their finding to the attention of the registered nurse; Is able to communicate with patients and families in a calming, reassuring, and supportive manner; Is able to provide emotional support to the dying patient and family; Is able to recognize acute and subtle changes and consistency in patients' mental and physical condition and reports appropriately; Observes a patient every 60 minutes while on the unit and more frequently as directed in accordance with facility policies; Is able to recognize and reports signs of physical and emotional abuse of patient, family, and significant others; Ability to effectively and appropriately use email as a valuable communication tool and allocate specific times during tour of duty to access in order to remain current and informed. Interpersonal Relationships: Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and all members of the Interdisciplinary Team; Maintains courtesy during telephone and direct verbal interactions with patients, families, visitors, coworkers, and supervisors; Has ability to elicit feelings, attitudes, and promote positive communication and socialization skills with patients. Fire and Safety/Infection Control: Maintains a safe work environment and has knowledge of Safety and Infection Control Guidelines; Utilizes proper body mechanics, encourages others to do so, and includes participates during unit In-service and Patient Care Conferences; Responds promptly and effectively to Fire and Disaster Drills and alarms, actively assisting others as needed; Has knowledge of the spread of infection by practicing and motivating others to adhere to Infection Control Guidelines to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases and resistant organisms Work Schedule: Full-time with Rotating Shifts, Days, Nights and Weekends: 7:30am-4:00pm, 7:30-8:00pm, 3:30pm-12:00am, 7:30pm-8:00am, 11:30pm-8:00am Compressed Work Schedule: Yes Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant/000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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