Career Center

The Nursing Assistant provides clinical support for the adult and geriatric Veteran under the direction of the RN and LPN. The Nursing Assistant on the Community Living Center practices and adheres to a high level of respect and knowledge of Veteran rights to protect the vulnerable and frail Veterans. 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), Straight pulling (6 hours), Pushing (2 hours), Use of fingers, Walking (6 hours), Standing (2 hours), Repeated bending (6 hours), Ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), Mental and emotional stability, Visual acuity (20/30 corrected). ["The incumbent assists 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. Duties will include: The Nursing Assistant independently follows the Restorative Plan of Care and performs range of motion exercises, turning and positioning, ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises in the Plan of Care. The Nursing Assistant performs, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, and when assigned, catheter care, oral -pharyngeal suctioning and tracheostomy suctioning and tracheostomies that are non-complicated and at least five days old. The Nursing Assistant uses aseptic technique and changes clean dressings. The Nursing Assistant maintains and monitors oxygen therapy as directed by the RN, assignment or written care plan, to include management and operation of oxygen tanks. The Nursing Assistant performs assistive cough and deep breathing exercises. The Nursing Assistant reviews the Veteran's /resident's treatment plan and follows the plan in performing resident care. The Nursing Assistant updates the plan of care in the resident's room to remain current with IDT and/ or Nursing Care Plan in the medical record, and reports / verifies changes and discrepancies to the charge nurse. The Nursing Assistant participates in the nursing care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings, using knowledge of the Veteran / resident and reports resident / Veteran problems, helps plan individualized care and discharge planning. He/she presents interventions based on the organization's guidelines on fall prevention and pressure sore prevention to meet specific needs of the resident / Veteran for inclusion in the IDT plan of care. The Nursing Assistant demonstrates self-direction and responsibility by maintaining all education required by the CLC such as completing required courses to administer medication under the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Policy, Basic Life Support skills (CPR), HIPPA and Privacy training. Demonstrates the ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new CNAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. The Nursing Assistant communicates clearly, timely, and respectfully regarding Veterans'/residents' condition, understanding and acceptance of assignments, accepting feedback and directions from the RN, respect of co-workers, fellow employees, visitors, families, and Veterans/residents. The Nursing Assistant answers all call lights face to face with the Veteran/resident, and helps when possible. 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. The Nursing Assistant observes and reports patients' physical and mental status, reporting off to the Registered Nurse at the end of the shift, and immediately reports any and all unusual changes to the Registered Nurse. The Nursing Assistant cleans and maintains equipment independently or at the direction of the RN/LPN. The Nursing Assistant inspects devises and determines if the device is safe to use, or removes the device, notifies supervisor, and begins the process to have the device repaired. The Nursing Assistant follows Community Living Center, Medical Center and Nursing Service policies and procedures. Work Schedule: 0730AM-4:00PM, 3:30PM-12:00AM, 12:00AM-08:00AM\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]