Nursing Assistants 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. Patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. 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: NA's 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. Grade Determinations: GS-3 NA: Entry Level Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments: Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 NA: 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. 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. GS-5 NA: 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 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. 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 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, stooping, 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, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. ["*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be July 28, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. *** Provides direct patient/resident care in a variety of settings, including acute medical unit, acute or sub-acute mental health unit, community living center, residential rehabilitation and ambulatory care. Care includes assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating and mobility. Operates a variety of equipment including, but not limited to, wheelchairs, stretchers, vital sign machines, bladder scanners, lifts and oxygen. Assists with procedures using proper technique. Transports patients using safe technique. Completes thorough, timely and accurate documentation of care provided. Recognizes and reacts to acute changes or emergent patient conditions such as bleeding, abnormal vital signs and behavior crisis. If assigned to the acute medical unit, will be required to pass test for cardiac rhythms and watch monitors. Monitor watching will require recognition of alarms for serious or life-threatening rhythms and immediate notification of the Registered Nurse who is responsible for assessment and intervention. Assists in the care and treatment of patients receiving medical, surgical, psychiatric, or outpatient treatment. Observes and reports changes in patient behavior, attitude, and appearance, such as patients' color, vital signs, wound/skin condition, and reaction to/results of treatment. Assists in the performance of diagnostic/assessment examinations by performing duties such as taking/monitoring, recording, and reporting of vital signs, height, weight, patient concerns/symptoms, and less obvious changes in patients' condition. Assists with treatment and diagnostic procedures by preparing and positioning the patient, obtaining supplies/equipment, reassuring the patient, cleaning up following the procedure, documenting/reporting concerning the procedure, and conducting post-procedure checks on the patient. Provides care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior, including those who are severely depressed, agitated, and/or acting out and those patients with complex medical conditions. The care provided frequently involves setting up/working around various types of medical equipment and the use of medical supplies. Recognizes emergency situations and appropriately intervenes while awaiting assistance. Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing patients' comfort and health status. Performs patient care and comfort measures addressing patients' biopsychosocial needs, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, hydration, skin care, rehabilitation, and safety. Identifies and reports data relative to more complex patient situations including subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition, or variances related to neurological and vital signs, actual and potential safety issues, and other parameters. Explains to patients and family members the necessity of procedures for proper health care. Provides specific health information based on patient's condition, such as acceptance of limited physical mobility, proper body mechanics, and the importance of adhering to prescribed regimens for both medical and mental health conditions. Enters specific information into the patient's electronic record using appropriate formats, medical terminology, and templates. This information must be entered in a complete, confidential, and professional manner to ensure information on the patient is shared with other VA staff. This information is to be reviewed on a regular basis. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies. Attendance of all appropriate staff meetings (interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, other committees as appropriate, etc.) is necessary. Work Schedule: Variable 12-hour shifts, days or nights and every other weekend. Schedule can be addressed with management. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52583-O, 52584-O, 52585-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
