The Orlando VAMC is looking for Nursing Assistants (NA) to work in Multiple Specialties for Nursing Service. These include: Acute Care (ED/inpatient), Geriatric and Extended Care (CLC), Nursing Operations (Float Pool, Transport) Surgical Specialty, and Preop/PACU. The NAs functions as a member of the nursing care team assisting licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving community living care or other areas of care. This is an Open Continuous Announcement. 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. 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. 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-3. 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 Grade Determinations: (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Grade Determinations: (a) 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, (b) 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 (transcripts required); AND (c) 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. (d) Assignment. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, 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 NAs or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded [NAs], 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 Grade Determinations: (a) 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, (b) 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 (transcripts required);AND (c) Demonstrated 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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs 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. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Preferred Experience: 1 year of direct patient care in Geriatric and Extended Care setting preferred. 1 year of direct patient care in the Nursing Operations setting preferred. 1 year of direct patient care in the Surgical Specialty setting preferred. 1 year of direct patient care in the Preop/PACU setting preferred. References: VA Directive and Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46; Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard 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 hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent 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 incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual, capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. This position requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. The incumbent may rotate on weekends and all tours as needed to meet unit and patient/resident care needs. ["To apply for this position and received eligibility consideration, you must submit a complete application package, (See Required Documents Section) *** THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO ALL US CITIZENS. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A CURRENT PERMANENT VA EMPLOYEE, PLEASE APPLY UNDER ANNOUNCEMENT CBTC-11910568-23-CAF *** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT for Orlando VA Medical Center and surrounding CBOCs is looking for Nursing assistants for Acute Care (ED/inpatient), Geriatric and Extended Care (CLC), Nursing Operations (Float Pool, Transport) Surgical Specialty, and Preop/PACU. The Nursing Assistant (NA) initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applicants will be every 15 workdays. Eligible applications received after this date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur until 07/03/2023. Applications expire after 3 months. To continue to be considered applications require updates. These position are located at the Orlando VA Medical center, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. The Nursing Assistant (NA) responsibilities include all activities of daily living and general patient care duties to help the healthcare team restore the Veteran to the highest level of independence or remain comfortable toward the end of life. The NA will provide support for diagnostic procedures, nursing treatments, patient charting, and reinforcement of patient education. The performance of these tasks involves direct working relationships with Veterans and participation as a member of the nursing care team in direct service to Veterans. The NA supports the unit operations and can be assigned clinical and non-clinical duties throughout the Orlando VA Healthcare System. The duties for the Nursing Assistant include but not limited to: Cares for Veterans in accordance with established nursing procedures, standards of care, principles of cultural transformation, and the plan for care with self-direction and minimal supervision. Functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists licensed nursing staff in the care of Veterans receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other Veterans who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. Veteran assignments involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. Plans, organizes, and prioritizes assigned workload. Assists providers and nurses in the performance of diagnostic examinations or procedures such as vital sign monitoring, obtaining weight and height, preparing/positioning Veterans. Records basic data and patient responses, reporting significant changes to the RN. Performs treatments such as foot soaks and the application of non-prescribed topical lotions. Assists by positioning and draping as well as emotionally supporting patients/residents during a variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures. Able to observe Veterans' physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. Takes care of Veterans' routine care and comfort needs for psycho/social/spiritual well-being, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation, safety, etc. Follows established SOPs and checklists in the use, set up, pre-cleaning, storage, reprocessing, and maintenance of all Reusable Medical Devices, as applicable. Adheres to Infection Control-Universal Precautions. Responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Able to communicate effectively with Veterans, their families, and other health professionals. Demonstrates ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with courtesy and respect offering supportive, compassionate professional interpersonal relationship skills with Veterans, family members, professional and support personnel involved in the delivery of Veteran care; incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice (ICARE). Performs other assignments designated by the nurse in charge that are essential to the care of Veterans and appropriate to his/her level of training. Work Schedule: Full-time, Multiple Work Schedules, dependent upon the service, discussed during interviews. Flexible to meet the needs of the organization 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"]
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes! This position is located within Surgical Services at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Department of Navy (DoN)/Department of Defense (DoD). It is larger than just a single facility, but rather it is a fully-integrated medical care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The combined mission of the FHCC means active duty military and their family members, military retirees, and eligible veterans receive health care at this facility.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Join the FHCC team of energetic, career-minded professionals! For additional information, click onhttp://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/index.asp.