North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The Nursing Assistant provides a range of assistance and support for veteran patients, providing personal patient care, support for diagnostic procedures, performing technical nursing treatments as delegated by Nursing staff, documentation and offering basic patient instruction under the guidance of a Registered Nurse. The Nursing Assistant is an integral member of the nursing care team in direct service to veterans and families. 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. 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) None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments Individuals assigned as GS-3 Nursing Assistants are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Nursing Assistant One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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, 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 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 Nursing Assistant are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. Nursing Assistant at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded Nursing Assistants, 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 Nursing Assistants or other healthcare professionals. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded Nursing Assistants, 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 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level 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. OR, 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 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 Nursing Assistants 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 Nursing Assistants. Nursing Assistants 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. Nursing Assistant at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Preferred Experience: Nursing Assistant Certification preferred but not required. References: VA Handbook 5005/71, Appendix G46. certified Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard 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: This position requires visual acuity, keen earing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The Nursing Assistant 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 Nursing Assistant may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The Nursing Assistant must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The Nursing Assistant must complete annual employee health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Appropriately documents in the electronic health record (EHR).\nSafeguards the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.\nAssists with patient care and flow during times of medical emergencies, pandemics, and/or patient influx.\nScreens patients, staff and visitors for COVID-19 upon entry of the Medical Center based on current facility guidelines.\nPerforms and documents prescribed medical treatment and interventions for patients, such as diabetic urine testing and blood testing, simple dressing changes.\nMonitors patients according to levels of observations (i.e,.1:1 for suicidal ideation, continuous observations, etc.)\nEngage in-group activities such as off-station trips, reality orientation, current events and other therapeutic groups with direction and close supervision.\nReports patient status to the RN and documents pertinent observations in the medical record according to established procedures.\nUtilizes principles of proper body mechanics and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury.\nSets up patient care related equipment, such as hypothermia machines, oxygen delivery systems, portable and wall suction and assisting in monitoring proper functioning of equipment.\nMaintain a therapeutic environment for patients according to established procedures and policies by reporting actual or potential accidents, fire hazards and faulty equipment and taking measures to prevent injury.\nPerforms nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures, but not limited to: enemas, catherization, colostomy care, skin care simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Compressed Tours\nTelework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This is a Bargaining Unit Position"]