The Cheyenne VA is currently recruiting for four (4) GS-0621-3/4/5 Nursing Assistants to work in the Community Living Center, CLC. 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: U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant, (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 Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (2) If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determination Requirements: 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/Vocational Nurse, LPN/LVN, Health Technician, HT, 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; 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. 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). 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-3 to a GS-5. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over, Heavy Carrying 45 pounds and over, Straight pulling (2-6 hours), Pushing (2-6 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (5-9 hours), Standing (4-8 hours), Kneeling (1-2 hours), Repeated bending (2-4 hours), Climbing, legs only (1-2 hours), Twisting (2-4 hours). ["GS-3 employees perform the following duties under close supervision. GS-3 include but are not limited to the following major duties: Adhere to VA and Nursing policies, procedures, & standards Maintain patient privacy/confidentiality & patient rights to privacy/confidentiality Collect patient information including observation of overall condition Take appropriate action in response to patient emergent situations Accurately documents patient information in CPRS Provide patient information to the accountable RN to include in the patient care plan Complete assignments in timely manner Use appropriate lifting/moving/transfer techniques/devices Utilizes infection control & universal standard precautions Participate in interdisciplinary team care planning & delivery of care process Assist in implementation of the psychiatric treatment program Provide routine hygienic/activities of daily living care. Perform actions targeted to maintain/restore skin integrity Collect patient specimens Follow seizure precautions as directed Transport patient w/ oxygen Use protective/restraining devices appropriately Feed patients who are at risk for aspiration orally Report situations including: (1) changes in behavior (2) wandering (3) sundowning (4) sleep disturbances (5) inappropriate sexual behavior (6) aggressive behavior (7) hallucinations (visual/auditory) (8) incontinence (9) swallowing problems (10) vital signs Recognize communication barriers: (1) sensory deficits ie: hearing aid/s, vision loss (2) stage of disease ie: stroke, end of life Demonstrate correct moving & transferring techniques, including: (1) stand/pivot transfer mechanics (2) repositioning from the front & rear lift approach (3) slide board transfer (4) using transfer belt (5) using transportation devices (6) using patient lifts (7) using side rail & trapeze Demonstrate correct use of assistive devices for eating & dressing Promote correct use of ambulation devices: (1) walker (regular and with wheels) (2) 3-point cane (3) Crutches (4) Hemi-Walker & canes Protect printed & electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 & other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes & policy; Protect data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion; follow applicable regulations & instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. Perform other duties as assigned GS-4 employees perform all the duties as a GS-3, but are expected to work more independently than a GS-3. In addition, GS-4 employees duties include but are not limited to the following duties: Demonstrate ability to assist patient dressing skills. Assist w/ toileting activities as appropriate. Monitor patients in restraints, seclusion/1:1 observation per unit policy. Demonstrate use of the following equipment: (1) Tub/scale (2) Special care beds (3) Geri chair (4) Vital signs monitor Apply heat & cold therapies Administer respiratory therapies: (1) turn, cough and deep breathe (2) incentive spirometer Apply and provide routine care for a condom catheter Promote skin healing through the application of noncomplex dressing changes & application of ostomy appliances as delegated by the accountable RN Offer physiological, psychological & spiritual comfort to the dying patient Demonstrate the correct application of slings, splints & braces Perform finger stick blood glucose using blood glucose monitor Demonstrates/performs use of oximetry as directed Recognize dementia safety risks Observe chest tubes Monitor continuous bladder irrigations Assist nurse w/ applying traction/supportive devices Ambulate patient w/w/out assistive devices & provide passive range of motion as directed by RN Monitor gastric/intestinal drainage & feeding tubes Assist in initiation/seclusion/behavioral management as directed Perform other duties as assigned GS-5 employees perform all of the duties of GS-4 employees and G3-3 employees but are expected to work independently. This is the full performance level of a NA. In addition, GS-5 employees duties include but are not limited to the following duties: Perform urine drug screens and breathalyzers tests as needed Perform other duties as assignedGS-3 employees perform the following duties under close supervision. Work Schedule: 6:00am-6:30pm or 6:00pm-6:30am rotating 12 hour weekly day and night shifts depending on the needs on the service, including weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53361-A 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.