Career Center

The Community Living Center division of Rehab & Long Term Care Services in Vancouver WA provides care to patients and is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/15/2022. 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 or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the 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 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). Preferred Experience: More than 2 years Nursing Home or inpatient hospital experience, Phlebotomy experience, AHA approved BLS. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Nursing Assistant: Experience- None beyond basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Nursing Assistant: Experience- One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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- 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. Assignment: Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other healthcare professionals. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant: Experience- One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level; OR, Education- 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References: VA Handbook 5005 - http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over- intermittent), straight pulling (3 hours), pushing (3 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (7 hours), standing (7 hours), Kneeling (15-30 minutes) repeated bending (4 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinating simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability required. Environmental Requirements: Intermittent alarms ["Duties include but are not limited to: Responsible for collection of specimens from the patients in the Medical Center or assigned area Responsible for accessioning of the specimens into the hospital computer system and the processing, centrifugation (if required) and preparation of blood prior to laboratory testing. Works closely with ward staff and the patient to obtain, collect and deliver specimens to the laboratory Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique. Adheres to applicable infection control guidelines of hand hygiene before and after venipuncture of all patients Demonstrates knowledge and skill in utilizing noninvasive vein mapping devices. Upon completion of phlebotomy duties, phlebotomist is responsible for performing assigned bath/showers for the unit. Phlebotomist may be assigned to work the floor in the same capacity as a nursing assistant. Delivers skilled individualized patient care to adult and elderly patients Observes patient needs and selects priorities in patient care Anticipates the needs of the patient giving special attention to details of care Orients patient to the nursing unit Provides emotional support for patient and family Performs a range of monitor acts which include taking and recording vital signs, obtaining specimens, setting up and assisting for diagnostic examinations Prepares patient for surgical procedures Provides care for patients using universal precautions Observes and documents on flow sheets all pertinent data regarding the emotional and physical status of the patient, properly reporting subtle changes to the primary nurse Gives condition report to family as appropriate Participates in patient/family teaching and discharge planning Instructs patient regarding self-care, selected diagnostic measures, pre and post- operative Additional duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 06:00 AM - 2:30 PM\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"]