The primary purpose of this position is to perform a very wide range of patient personal care, support diagnostic services, and chart activities on a regular and continual basis throughout the medical center. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to promote a sense of worth and dignity within each individual. NOTE: Candidates will be referred every 3 weeks. 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: 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 Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: 1 year Nursing Assistant experience preferred Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience and Education: 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: 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-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. 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). 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is 05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 05. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; pushing, moderate; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (8 hours); standing (8 hours); repeated bending; climbing; both legs required; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and 20/100 in the other; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability. ["The Pool NA is responsible for the evidence-based care of a group of patients as follows: Assists the RN, licensed practical nurse (LPN), and other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) with providing input in the development of care plan based on the Veterans care needs. This includes input into completion of the minimum data set (MDS) assessment at required and various time points. Attends IDT meetings and contributes to the IDT. Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the Veteran and monitoring the Veteran's condition. Performs nursing care, as applicable to the Veteran, including all aspects of personal care and grooming. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, monitor bladder and bowel functioning, tracking of I&O and hydration. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, provides health care services to the Veteran to include, but not limited to: Foley Catheter insertion/discontinuation/care; obtaining the Veteran's vital signs, blood glucose, or electrocardiogram (EKG); activities of daily living; and post-mortem care. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, monitor psychiatric symptoms, assisting in medical and psychiatric emergencies Maintain patient safety and the safety of the environment. Sits with patient on one-on-one (1:1) for safety as needed. The NA float can work in multiple areas include Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Department (ED), Ambulatory Surgical Unit (ASU)/Post- Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Medical/Surgical/Telemetry(Med/Surg/Tele), Short Stay Rehabilitation, Nursing Home, Hospice, Inpatient Acute Psychiatry Unit, Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Program (RRTP), or outpatient clinics, and must maintain competencies in all areas. Assists nursing resource office in recruitment and onboarding tasks as needed. Collaborates with hiring managers to schedule interviews of candidates. Sends confirmation emails and direction to candidates. Scans in documents to aid in the communication between hiring managers and HR specialist. Solicits input for onboarding activities from candidates Responds during emergencies, assisting during fire drills, and responding to any safety issues as they arise. Demonstrates self-direction in applying knowledge of fire, safety and disaster regulations, practices, and procedures and communicates expectations to staff. Work Schedule: Multiple shifts available: 4:00pm - 12:00pm or 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm (with weekend and holiday rotation) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
