The Central Texas Health Care System is recruiting for highly qualified Nursing Assistants for our inpatient Mental Health/Behavioral Health Service located in Waco, Texas. Function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, subacute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 06/20/2023. Additional applications will be referred as needed. 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-03. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03, Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04, Nursing Assistant 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. GS-05, Nursing Assistant (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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) 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 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. Preferred Experience: BLS 1 year of experience as a nursing assistant, patient care technician, etc. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards, GS-0621. 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-03 to GS-05. Physical Requirements: May require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over. Walking and standing for 8 hours. ["The NA is learning to perform basic nursing duties under close supervision in a variety of health care settings such as outpatient, inpatient, home, or community living care, acute, sub-acute. The NA will care for patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions. CLINICAL PRACTICE 1. All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. 2. Will learn to appropriately utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned veteran. Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. 3. Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. The RNA is technical in performing, reporting, and recording assigned nursing care, including, but not limited to: 3.1. Administers oxygen therapy 3.2. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 3.3. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures including, but not limited to bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, and specimen collection. 3.4. Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. 3.5. Data collection and documentation intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing note. 3.6. Based on the patient's goals, reinforces patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention, and wellness. 3.7. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3.8. Measures, records vital signs and enters them in CPRS. Reports all significant deviations to the LVN, RN and/ or other health care provider immediately. 3.9. Identifies urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance, and intervenes as directed when appropriate. Work Schedule: Evening shift, 1530-Mid Night with rotating weekends/holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #: 000000 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.
