The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for several Nursing Assistant positions located in the Community Living Center for Nursing Service. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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. English Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: At least one year skilled nursing experience and Long Term Care. 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: 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. 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is 05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 05. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; pushing, moderate; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (8 hours); standing (8 hours); repeated bending; climbing; both legs required; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and 20/100 in the other; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability. ["The Nursing Assistant for the Community Living Center will be closely supervised when providing safe, effective care to patients/residents. Actives will include bathing, personal hygiene, assisting with feeding, taking-recording-reporting vital signs accurately, assisting ambulation and other duties or care as directed by RNs, LPNs or providers. He/she will learn how to observe patients/residents who may be confused or have other cognitive issues providing safe environment and reports to nurse when condition changes. Incumbent will learn how to initiate emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and /or respiratory arrest, massive bleeding, shock, or assaultive behavior and alerts licensed personal immediately. Duties assigned but not limited to the following: Knowledge of how to provide a range of patient/resident care and ability to learn how to contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients. Knowledge of how to appropriately observe patient's/resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviation and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. This includes safety & 1:1 watch observations following PMDB competency. Knowledge of how to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, specimen collection, etc. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. Work Schedule: Multiple shifts available- Night shifts, Day shifts & Evening shifts available with rotating weekends & Holidays. Full-time and part-time positions available. Midnights 12:00 am - 8:00 am; Days 7:45 am to 4:15 pm; Evenings 3:45 pm -12:15 am) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant-Community Living Center/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not available 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.
