North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The incumbent will be part of Inpatient & Emergency Service Division (IESD) and will be responsible for performing a variety of routine and complex patient care techniques based on the needs of the nursing unit to which assigned. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2023. 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. 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). Preferred Experience: Nursing Assistant Certification, more than 2 years Nursing Home or inpatient hospital experience, Ventilator experience and AHA approved BLS certificate. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Nursing Assistant: Education. One year of education above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. OR, Training. I have completed an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study less than one year as a nursing assistant.. GS-4 Nursing Assistant: Experience- 1 year of experience as a Nursing Assistant or in another medical field; OR, Education- 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. 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. 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 Nursing Assistant: Experience- One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level; OR, Education- 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. 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: Preferred candidate will have 6 months of hospital nursing assistant experience. Preferred candidate will be Certified Nursing Assistant. Preferred candidate will have medical terminology knowledge and experience. References: VA Handbook 5005 - http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling (1 hour), pushing (1-2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (3 hours), standing (4-6 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinating simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability required. ["Duties include but are not limited to: (1)providing assistance with bathing and personal hygiene needs, shower or bed bath, shaving, nail care, toileting, and activities of daily living; (2)draining catheter bags; (3) setting up meal trays and assisting with feeding, monitors and documents food/fluid intake and output; (4) Uses appropriate safe patient handling (SPH) equipment for patient turns, re-positioning and transfers to minimize risk of injury to patient and self; urns and repositions bed-ridden patients regularly to prevent skin breakdown . (5) Keeps patient area clean and tidy, removes excess clutter, and makes beds; (6) answers the call light and performs bedside rounding; and (7) room set up for admission, and breakdown for discharges. At all times the incumbent demonstrates effective and professional communication skills with the patient and family, especially with clients experiencing behavioral issues, depression, anger, irritation, suicide ideation, substance abuse withdrawal and pain or discomfort. The NA identifies and reports data relative to more complex patient situations including subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition, or variances related to neurological signs, vital signs, and other parameters. Work Schedule: Intermittent. Shifts available 24/7: 0600-1430, 1400-2230, 2200-0630 Compressed/Flexible: May be available. Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results