This is an Open Continuous Announcement that will be used to fill vacant positions at The Madison VA in The Inpatient Acute Medical/Surgical Unit (1B) AND Community Living Center (CLC). This position is open to all the public (U.S. Citizens). Resumes will be referred to hiring managers as a vacancy occurs. Recruitment Incentive Authorized. If you are a current, permanent VA Nationwide Employee, you should apply under the announcement OCA-NAACTIV-12063025-23-CG. 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. 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. 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. 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: GS-3 Grade Determinations: (a) Citizenship, 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): 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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 Directive and Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46; Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard 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-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, kneeling, 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. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual, capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. This position requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. The incumbent may rotate on weekends and all tours as needed to meet unit and patient/resident care needs. ["VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. This Nursing Assistant position is located in The Inpatient Acute Medical/Surgical Unit (1B) AND Community Living Center (CLC) at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI and provides direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). See education section below for unit descriptions where the open vacancies will be located. Major Nursing Assistant duties include, but are not limited to: Assists or provides patients with personal hygiene, i.e., bathing, shaving, teeth brushing, nail care, hair combing, etc. Provides patients with the appropriate level of assistance with activities of daily living, bathing, dressing, transferring, ambulating, feeding, and toileting. Obtains blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and blood glucose (finger stick) and records them appropriately in the medical record. Weighs patients and records them appropriately in the medical record. Assists during emergency treatment situations obtaining equipment as necessary and running errands as needed. Maintains positive and constructive professional working relationship with patients, families, medical staff, volunteers, and co-workers. Transports patients as assigned off the unit for various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Assists the team in reinforcing educational needs with patients. Performs other duties as assigned, such as phlebotomy and 12-Lead EKGs. Understands and demonstrates behavior that reflects that each patient is an individual with needs that vary, particularly according to his/her age. Understands the appropriate body mechanics to safely move patients using a variety of lifts/transfer devices. Applies and operates specialized equipment for residents (patients), e.g., prosthetic appliances, patient mobility devices, etc. Recognizes and reports potential safety hazards. Initiates emergency measures to protect patients. Maintains patient rooms and unit areas in a clean and orderly fashion. Participates in problem-solving activities to maintain a safe environment Assists in provision of a safe environment for patients with memory deficits, orientation problems and acting-out behavior. Cleans various pieces of patient equipment as needed and directed by responsible nurse. Select Nursing Assistants will be trained to perform Health Unit Coordinator tasks and will manage patient admissions, discharges, post discharge appointments, and other clerical tasks. Activity Assistant (AA) Position Summary: The CLC/1B Activity Assistant (AA) is a Nursing Assistant who is directly accountable to the unit Nurse Manager. The AA functions as a nursing assistant and is in partnership with unit nursing staff (RN and NA's), Recreational Therapist (RT), and volunteer services to plan and implement activities in a short-term care setting. The AA is responsible for delivering activities that are designed to promote socialization, diversion, relaxation, and entertainment to veterans in the CLC/1B unit. The AA will work in collaboration with team members to plan activities, as well as handling logistics of activities, such as scheduling guests, logistics of location, demonstrating activities, and ensuring veteran safety. PositionResponsibilities: Ensures compliance with current professional standards, federal, and local regulations and facility policies and procedures. Assist nursing personnel in providing a veteran activities program that direct care within the scope of training and requirements Contributes to maintenance of a clean, safe environment to minimize hazards of infection or injury to veterans. Plan, develop, organize, implement, and direct an activities program. Develops monthly activity calendars. Collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Team to implement individualized care plan for each Veteran. Help facilitate activities including, but not limited to painting, trivia, bingo, music, horticultural therapy, assortment of games, serving meals, and snacks. Assists or leads the participants in group activities, such as an exercise class or art project Assist with performance of patient needs under the assistance of RN/PT/OTto include range of motion, ambulation, and transfers. Prepares equipment and materials for planned activities and ensures the safety of residents in the activity Attends scheduled interdisciplinary team meetings Coordinates activity programs with Recreational Therapist to avoid scheduling conflicts."]

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