The GS-5 Nursing Assistant (NA) in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center is assigned to provide care for an adult/geriatric patient population, ranging from the critically/acutely ill patient to the chronically/terminally ill long-term patients, including mental health patients. The incumbent's work are may be either on a ward and/or with patients in transit or while in other designated places. 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. Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard (3/26/2014) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (2) If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Preferred Experience: 3-5 Years of "Acute Care" Nursing Assistant experience. Specialized Experience is experience which is in or directly related to the duties of the position to be filled such as non professional nursing care, work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other medical, nursing, or patient care facility, or in such work as that of a home health aid. While working in the above areas the duties must have included technical and medical support functions such as personal care needs, i.e bathing, feeding lifting, taking vital signs collecting specimens or other functions which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties as described in this announcement. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Experience and Education Requirements: To qualify at the GS-3 grade level (Entry Level): None beyond the basic requirements above. To qualify at the GS-4 grade level: 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, 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 (KSA's): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA's. 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. To qualify at the GS-5 level (Full-performance): (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; 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Pat II, Appendix G46 Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621 Veterans Health Administration Note: 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-5. Promotion is not guaranteed nor implied. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5005, Part III, Chapter 2, paragraph 7, and VA Handbook 5019, Occupational Health Services. All applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the duties of the position. Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; straight pulling; pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking; standing; kneeling; repeated bending; climbing, use of legs and arms; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted). ["Duties include, but not limited to: Obtains and documents patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respirations, weight, oxygen saturation, and postural vital signs). Sets up and uses electronic thermometers, vital sign measurement equipment, as well as pulse oximetry. Recognize and reports abnormal values to the Registered Nurse. Prepares patient for and obtains 12 lead EKG using various types of EKG machines. Prints previous EKG's from CPRS. Prepares patient for exam. Provides privacy and emotional support. Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples as ordered per policy and procedure. Properly collects labels and sends laboratory specimens as ordered per policy and procedure. Performs finger stick blood glucose testing, documents and reports results per policy and procedure. Takes appropriate action (notify MD/RN) for critical values. Reports any/all unusual conditions and performs first aid measures for life threatening events. Performs personal hygiene to patients, including shower, tub, or bed bath. Provides nail, hair and oral care (with suctioning or oral cavity if necessary). Assists with normal bladder and bowel eliminations. Encourages self-hygiene within patient's ability and potential. Changes/makes hospital beds including specialized beds. Maintains a neat and clean patient environment by properly storing personal belonging and supplies, wiping up spills and disposing of trash. Applies supportive and protective devices such as scrotal supports and splints as directed by the nurse. Applies comfort/safety devices such as heel and elbow protectors as directed by the nurse. Ambulates patients. Accompanies patients to selected areas for diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. Reports any/all unusual conditions and performs first aid measures for life threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, seizures or respiratory failure. Feeds patients who cannot feed themselves and assists those who need help. Checks patients for adequate food and fluid intake. Assists with oral care after meals as needed. Teaches self-feeding as appropriate. Maintains elevation of the head of bed as prescribed for patients with tube feedings. Performs care to patient with indwelling urinary catheter by cleansing area at junction of catheter and meatus. Maintains gravity drainage by keeping drainage bag at appropriate level. Applies external urinary device appropriately as directed by the nurse. Cares for patients with casts or traction as directed by the registered nurse. Assists with admission, transfer and discharge of patients. Records necessary information in clinical records. Assumes full responsibility for care, safety, and comfort of patients in transit. Gives post mortem care. Assists in maintaining a therapeutic atmosphere and proper appearance and cleanliness of the unit. Assists with proper disposition of supplies and equipment. Provides reality orientation to confused/disoriented patients. Provides appropriate observation for suicidal and homicidal patients according to procedure and close observation as appropriate according to procedure. Cares for patients undergoing radioactive therapy according to procedure. Utilizes special precautions as indicated in caring for patients receiving chemo/biotherapy. Work Schedule: Rotational Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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