The VA St. Louis Health Care System is recruiting for full time Nursing Assistants (NA) for Inpatient Mental Health Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Functional Statement Title: Certified Nursing Assistant GS-05 Applicants pending the completion of education 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. Completed one year above high school with courses related to the occupation or do you possess an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assist. Proficient in both spoken and written English 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). Preferred Experience: Certification preferred but is not required. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience [and] Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 [NAs] are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. 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: 1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3. 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 4. 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 KSAs 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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: Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621 Veterans Health Administration, VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. 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, stooping, 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 personal protective equipment (PPE) in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures at the bedside. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Perform a wide range of direct patient comfort and personal care duties including, but not limited to: bathing, feeding, toileting, elimination, incontinent care, general patient hygiene, prevention of skin breakdown rehabilitation, safety, and non-routine care and comfort needs for the psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of the patient. Transports patients via wheelchair or gurney, and/or accompanies ambulatory patients who need assistance, to various areas within the hospital including clinics, diagnostic areas, and treatment areas. Assists in a complete range of treatments, procedures and diagnostic examinations including measuring and recording height and weight, monitoring vital signs, recording fluid intake and output, preparing and positioning patients, applying hot and cold packs, changing sterile dressings, administering EKG's, respiratory therapy, wound irrigations, oral and tracheal aspirations, cleaning tracheotomy tubes, changing tracheal dressings, monitoring IV fluids, administering tube feedings, lumbar puncture, minor surgical procedures, inserting straight or indwelling catheters, clamping and unclamping catheters as directed. Obtains and labels specimens to include clean catch urine specimens or sterile specimens. Teaches patients and family members the necessity to continue the procedures for safe and proper health care. Utilizes effective communication skills to establish and maintain constructive interpersonal relationships with patients, families and members of the interdisciplinary team. Performs postmortem care with dignity. Work Schedule: Rotating tours, including weekends and holidays. 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"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
