Career Center

The primary purpose of the Nursing Assistant (NA) position is to assist licensed nursing staff in the care of residents/Veterans as a member of the nursing care team by providing Cultural Transformation and holistic resident-center care in a manner conducive to comfort and safety in the Community Living Center (CLC) at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. Applicants must meet all requirements by the close of the announcement. 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 NA occupation OR 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 Language Proficiency: NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-3: 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; TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED 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; TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AND Demonstrated 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: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46 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: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over), moderate lifting (15-44 lbs), light lifting (under 15 lbs), heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), moderate carrying (15-44 lbs), light carrying (under 15 lbs), straight pulling (3 hours), pulling hand over hand (3 hours), pushing (3 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (12 hours), standing (12 hours), crawling (3 hours), kneeling (3 hours), repeated bending (3 hours), climbing (3 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, outside and inside, excessive noise (intermittent), slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others. ["Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-5 full performance level of this assignment, the incumbent CLC CNA will embrace the Artifacts of Cultural Change and patient centered care to provide a home-like environment for residents. Duties will include: Assist in the full range of nursing care for residents with physical, mental health, dementia, and/or behavioral problems in a rehabilitation, long term care, and hospice setting. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Practical Nurse, work is assigned by defining objectives, priorities and deadlines. Provide daily living activities such as assisting residents with daily oral care (dentures, tooth brush), hair grooming, bathing, peri-care, dressing, nail, and other related hygiene care. Set up, serve, and assist residents with eating and maintain a home like environment for dining. Turn, move, and transfer residents with appropriate technique and lifting assistance devices (the CLC is equipped with lifting devices that are mandatory to use). Prepare and transports residents as needed for tests or discharge. Assist with restorative, rehabilitation, and activity programs that increase quality of life for each resident. Notify nursing of any physical or behavior changes. Document these changes using proper documentation forums. Use computer, computer programs, phone, photo-copy and fax machines. Conduct other duties as required to provide resident with quality care outcomes. Assist with a complete range of treatment and procedures that include but is not limited to the following: vital signs, administering hot and cold packs; accucheks; inserting Foley catheters; caring for residents in isolation; BVI; colostomy care; application of EKG leads. Perform a range of diagnostic support duties which includes taking, recording, and reporting deviations in vital signs, taking specimens, labeling specimens for the laboratory, and assisting the doctor in a variety of diagnostic exams. Consistently makes gross accurate observations of the resident's condition and reports and documents findings. Identify and report to nursing, the resident's physical and emotional reactions to medical treatment and nursing care. Verbally provide resident information to the licensed staff for inclusion in the nursing care plan. Enter information about the resident's condition and care in the resident's written and/or electronic records following Patient Care Services (PCS) and CLC policies. Communicate effectively with residents, families, interdisciplinary team members and other staff personnel. Act in a professional manner as a role model for peers. Serve as a preceptor to new CNAs by assisting with employee orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. Communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to meet CLC objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to the supervisor. Utilize population, cultural, age-specific communication techniques to provide effective communication with CLC residents and visitors who may be geriatric. Ability to complete tasks thoroughly and independently with little direct supervision (this includes the ability to organize work, follow instructions, write and type legibly and accurately). Instruct residents on the residents role in various tests, such as x-rays, covering information previously supplied by the doctor or nurse. Instructs resident on the set up and purpose of treatment supported by auxiliary equipment such as oxygen and suction. Supports resident teaching based on evidence-based, general information covered with the resident previously by either the doctor or nurse. Utilize resident teaching opportunities with awareness of medical treatment goals. Identify teaching needs and institute approaches to meet these. Recognize and react to emergent resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognize the need for basic life support, control bleeding and assist with behavior crisis, etc. Provide restorative care and therapeutic activities based on the Community Living Center's Restorative Care Program. Conduct therapeutic activities as identified by the Restorative RN, PT/OT, and interdisciplinary team. Document completion of activities in an appropriate manner. Participate in mandatory education classes. Display courteous verbal and non-verbal communication to residents, staff, and visitors. Work Schedule: 12 Hour Variable days 0700-1930 (may include weekends & holidays)\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]