The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System, Nursing Service, is currently recruiting one Nursing Assistant, located at the Muskogee VA in Muskogee, OK. 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: U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant, (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 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; 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: 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 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: 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, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-3 to a GS-5. Preferred Experience: At least six months of experience Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of moving about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting and repositioning and transferring patients. Incumbent may be exposed to patients who are combative, secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders and patients who require restraints. The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy and concern. Must be quick and dependable in taking emergency action in using initiative to prevent accidents. ["Major duties and responsibilities for a Nursing Assistant are as follows: Adheres to VA and Nursing policies, procedures, and standards. Delivers care to patients in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. Maintains patient privacy/confidentiality and patient rights to privacy/confidentiality. Sets limits within the Nursing Assistant/patient relationship, which are clearly defined. Participates in selected Continuous Improvement (CI) activities as directed. Assists with selected activities related to patient admission/transfer and discharge. Collect's patient information including observation of overall condition. Recognizes and reports obvious changes in patient condition including emergencies. Takes appropriate actions in response to patient emergent situations. Accurately documents patient information in CPRS. Provides patient information to the accountable RN for inclusion in the patient's plan of care. Completes assignment, reports to the accountable RN when assignment has been completed or when unable to complete activities. Uses appropriate lifting/moving/transfer techniques/devices. Utilizes infection control and universal standard precautions. Adjusts to assignment changes. Participates in the interdisciplinary team care planning and delivery of care process. Assists in the implementation of the psychiatric treatment program as assigned. Supports the health care team through the reinforcement of patient education. Safely performs the following functions: Provides routine hygienic/activities of daily living care. Performs actions targeted to the maintenance/restoration of skin integrity. Collects patient specimens. Administers a variety of comfort measures. Takes vital signs after completion of orientation and competency validation. Follows seizure precautions as directed. Transports patients with oxygen. Appropriately uses protective/restraining devices. Feed's patients orally including those who are at risk for aspiration, after appropriate training. Work Schedule: Variable days, 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM or 6:30 PM to 7:00 AM working every other weekend. Compressed/Flexible: No Telework: Not Authorized Functional Statement #: 51133-A, 51134-A, 51135-A 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.
