The Fort Harrison VA is currently recruiting for four, (4) GS-3/4/5 Nursing Assistants to work in the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program-RRTP. 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. 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: 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. 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: 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: 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: This is a highly physical position. The following physical activities are repetitive and may be prolonged. Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over, Heavy Carrying 45 pounds and over, Straight pulling, Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking, Standing, Kneeling, Repeated bending, Climbing, legs only, Twisting Understands and practices safety procedures Use of aseptic techniques and required Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, when working with patients in isolation Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting, bending, stooping, and possible exposure to body fluid is involved. ["Major Duties: Demonstrates skill and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served including knowledge of growth and development, the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify patient needs and to provide the care needed: Obtains and documents patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, oxygen saturation and postural vital signs). Able to set-up and use electronic thermometers, vital sign measurement equipment, and pulse oximetry. Recognizes and reports abnormal values to RN. Collects labels and sends laboratory specimens as ordered according to policy and procedure Moves, lifts, transfers and transports patients as necessary using proper equipment and correct transfer techniques. Assists patients to ambulate and transfer safely. Observes changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the professional nurse. Recognizes emergency situations and responds to them appropriately. Follows standard procedures set by infection control in all aspects of daily duties. Disposes of infectious material correctly. Verbally reports and/or documents in the medical record observations of and treatment given to patient to ensure accurate records and quality of care, using standard nomenclature and approved forms. In the event of disturbed patient behavior, assist in producing a safe resolution of the disturbance without undo injury to patient or staff. Able to attend to patient needs as \"sitter\", while under \"close observation\" or when in restraints. Assist with admission of patients including separation, securing and inventory of clothing/valuables. Assist with answering call lights, comfort measures, provision of fluids/food to patients, activities of daily living as needed. Provides support and reassurance. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients to achieve desired results. Uses sound judgment to work with the RN staff to prioritize patients with acute medical needs and institute timely interventions. Assists with answering phone and placing calls/pages as needed. Greets and assists arriving patients/families/visitors. Is responsible for safeguarding patient records during visit in accordance with the Privacy Act and medical center policies. Attends and participates in in-services/training opportunities in order to plan high quality patient care. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 0600-1830 1000-2230 rotating 12 hour weekly shifts depending on the needs on the service, alternate weekends and holidays. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 and PD54116A 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.
