The Nursing assistant (NA )will provide safe, effective care to residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting. The Nursing Assistant (NA) has the ability to communicate orally with residents, families, interdisciplinary team members and other personnel. Activities will include bathing, personal hygiene, assisting with meals, obtaining, recording and reporting vital signs accurately, assisting with ambulation/restorative care. 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. This is an open continuous posting and may close before the listed closing date. A certificate will be issued every 15 days until a selection is made. 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. English Language Proficiency: Applicant must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j 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. 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. 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: Grade Determinations: GS- 3 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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; 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. Examples of qualifying experience include, but may not be limited to functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting licensed nursing staff, and other members of a 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs 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 MARCH 12, 2015 Preferred Experience: Long term care/ nursing home experience The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. 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: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling three hours; Pushing three hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking 8-12 hours; Standing 8-12 hours; Kneeling three hours; Repeated bending four hours; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Specific visual requirement; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Specific hearing requirements; ["The Nursing assistant (NA) - Community living center (CLC) is responsible for maintaining unit specific competencies to ensure safety and quality of care is provided to all patients. The incumbent has full knowledge and skills necessary to function as a NA and is independent in carrying out standardized procedures with limited complexity. The duties below are at the full performance level and include but not limited to: Administrative Responsibility: This element demonstrates the non-direct care responsibilities and documentation requirements. These tasks are completed with guidance of other co-workers and staff. Identifies environmental safety hazards and notifies the charge nurse with guidance. Adheres to the Alexandria VA Health Care System Time and Leave Policy with guidance. Completes required documentation timely and accurately with guidance. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care with guidance. Uses supplies and additional resources appropriately. Adheres to VA policies and procedures and makes frequent reference to them for questions. Direct Patient Care: This element demonstrates the direct care provided for the patient. Direct care is performed with instruction and guidance from the registered nurse or licensed practical nurse staff. Functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff and others in the care of patients. May care for inpatient and behavioral health veterans as needed. Performs a basic range of procedures such as routine urinary catheter care; application of condom catheter; external application of cold or heat with RN direction; emptying of colostomy; or other duties as assigned by the RN after competency has been demonstrated. Performs treatments such as foot soaks, and applications of non-prescribed/non-medicate topical lotions. Checks and accurately records vital signs, weight and height measurements. Collects and labels specimens (urine, stool, sputum) following protocol and labels accurately. Reports the condition of skin. Provides 1:1 observation for patients who are safety risks (within one arm's length of the patient) Performs specific patient related tasks as assigned and assistance may be required from time to time. Assists patient with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as personal hygiene and daily nourishment with direction. Adheres to infection control guidelines in efforts to reduce and prevent infectious disease from spreading. Seeks guidance from staff members regarding appropriate guidelines. Able to observe patients physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. Performs a wide variety of activities to increase comfort, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient. Takes care of patient's routine care and comfort needs for psycho/social/spiritual well-being, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation, safety etc. Supports family and visitors to assure comfort, peace and dignity during the dying process Interpersonal Skills: This element demonstrates the employee's ability to interact positively with co-workers, patients, and other personnel and work effectively with others. The nursing assistant seeks out guidance when effective using these skills. Treats self, patients, family, and others with respect and dignity. Listens to patients and family needs / concerns. Consistently works within a collaborative team to achieve patient centric goals. Seeks out assistance on tasks specific to the patient's treatment plan. Able to identify significant changes or observations to the charge nurse. Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and employees with guidance. Personal Development: This element demonstrates activities the NA has accomplished related to training and education. The NA is focused on unit specific function related to job specific tasks. Quality Improvement: This element demonstrates how the NA is able to participate in unit specific quality improvement projects and goals. Work Schedule: (12 hour tour) (future vacant positions may have other schedules) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000161F, 000160F, 000159F, Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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