Career Central

The Nursing Assistant's primary purpose is to perform a very wide range of Veteran and Active Duty treatment and charting activities on a regular and continuing basis in the Trauma Recovery Program. This includes observations and therapeutic interventions including safety rounds on the unit. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to promote a safe environment in which the residents who are Veterans and Active Duty can discuss their Trauma. 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. Education or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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. English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. 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 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level). Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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). 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 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 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. Preferred Criteria: Current proficiency in Basic Life Support BLS/ACLS through the American Heart Association. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualifications Standard, GS-621 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: Duties require extensive period of standing, sitting and walking. Working with patients requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching and similar activities. The employee provides physical restraints for confused or combative patients as necessary. The nursing assistant must be physically able to lift to meet the physical standards of the position as evaluated by Employee Health ["Major duties Include but not limited to: Serves as a member of a nursing team in the TRP service, with an assigned resident load or selected group of Veteran or Active Duty in one or more of the TRP buildings. Employee has considerable knowledge, experience and skill for concentrated effort and self-motivation to carry out assignments and use communication skills to assist the resident with concerns. Contributes to the multidisciplinary team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the treatment plan. Promotes participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence. Participates in group meetings to help residents share feelings and in accordance with the resident's treatment plan. Performs a range of personal nursing care which includes recognizing significant change and initiates appropriate action. Helps with admissions including contraband checks, transfers, discharges and nursing care procedures specific to the unit. Initiates reception and orientation of the newly admitted resident to include initial instruction in unit routines and procedures, and introduction to other residents. Recognizes the need for and institutes emergency measures when indicated, calls the nurse and assists in emergency. Knowledgeable of the resident's individual care plan, attends and participates in resident care conferences. Carries out and assists with tests, procedures, including follow-up care and observation. Is knowledgeable as to procedures and purposes and gives meaningful instructions and explanation to residents. Takes vital signs, weights and performs finger sticks as assigned and educates the residents on how to perform their finger sticks, reports results, and documents results in the computerized record. Performs a wide range of treatment procedures that includes hot and cold packs and setting up and giving treatments that require auxiliary equipment such as oxygen. Recognizes untoward symptoms and significant change in condition and initiates appropriate action. Maintains a clean, orderly, and safe, environment and encourages the residents to take pride in the cleanliness of their environment. Assists in maintaining resident and unit safety by rounding per unit policy, checking residents for contraband and maintaining resident confidentiality by logging off the computer. Observes, reports, and documents all pertinent data regarding the physical and emotional status of residents. Accurately documents physical and or modification in resident's behavior and documents appropriate interventions. Reiterates and reinforces instruction for the resident and/or family members that were previously presented by the interdisciplinary team or member. Assists in determining educational needs of resident, and in developing and providing appropriate instruction for procedures, treatment or use of equipment. Documents instructions and resident's response. Attends in-services and continuing education programs related to job requirements and to upgrade skills. Participates in quality assurance monitoring process. Assists in orientation of new staff members (NA's) to unit routine and procedures. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday-Friday, with flexibility to meet patient needs NOTE: Shifts may vary depending on patient care needs. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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