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You will work as a Nursing Assistant in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, in the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, San Antonio Texas. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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-03. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. 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). Preferred Experience: Certification as a Nursing Assistant 3 months experience working in an ICU Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03, Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04, Nursing Assistant Experience. One year f 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-05, Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year f 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): 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards. 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: Moderate lifting;15-35 pounds, Light lifting; 15 pounds, Moderate carrying;15-35 pounds, Light lifting; 15 pounds, Straight pulling (1 hours) Pushing (1-3 hours) Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers Both hands required, Walking (4 hours), Standing (2-7 hours), Kneeling (2 hours), Repeated bending ( 2 hours), Climbing, use of legs and arms, Both legs required Both eyes required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Specific visual requirement 20/40 DVA corrected Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid may be permitted, sitting 8 hours, simple grasping 2-4 hours, fine manipulation including keyboarding 4-6 hours, twisting (2 hours), mental and emotional stability. ["Your duties purpose will be to serve in a capacity as a member of the nursing team, performing a variety of nursing assignments of a general nature; administering care to patients and support to providers and nurses in the performance of personal care; assisting with diagnostic examinations; observing patients for change in condition; and treatment of the patient, family/significant other/co-workers and peers with respect and courtesy always. You will assist doctors and nurses in the performance of diagnostic examinations by performing duties such as monitoring vital signs, preparing and positioning the patient, or by performing a variety of routine diagnostic tests. You will be required to enter specific information into the patients' electronic records or charts using standard medical terminology for the human body, physical and emotional reactions, nursing care, and contraindications to medications, etc. You will care for the patient's non-routine care and comfort needs for psycho/social/spiritual well-being, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation, and safety. You will be responsible for teaching patients and family members the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care, and encouraging patients in self-care activities within their individual capacities as outlined on their care plan. 1. Completes all care assignments in a safe and timely manner\n2. Actively participates in unit level quality improvement activities and attends huddles, team meetings, and assigned committees.\n3. Completes applicable documentation per policy to include but not limited to Intake/Output, daily weights, vital signs, pain score, hourly rounding, blood glucose testing with accurate comment for notification.\n4. Uses the appropriate equipment for safe patient handling to include but not limited to: SCDs, bladder scanner, Bucks tractions, lift equipment, CPM, glucometer to include maintenance of quality controls as applicable.\n5. Adheres to all reusable medical equipment (RME) standard operating procedures.\n6. Participates in the equipment inventory process.\n7. Implements the appropriate interventions to prevent/reduce hospital acquired pressure ulcers and patient falls under the direction of the RN/LVN.\n8. Performs nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures, but not limited to: catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices.\n9. May assist with surgical skin preparation to include hair clipping and holding limbs.\n10. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the Veteran.\n11. Maintains BLS certification and demonstrates proper procedure in initiating CPR.\n12. Transports patients safely and professionally as assigned using hand- off communication tool.\n13. Transports medication, supplies, equipment, blood and specimens and any other transport needs as directed.\n14. Monitors patients according to levels of observation i.e. 1:1 veterans as well as veterans in a close observation status in accordance with facility polies.\n15. Age differences - delivers nursing care that reflects the various phases of the life cycle from 18 to 85 years and over.\n16. Performs other tasks requested by the RN/LVN or primary care provider.\n17. Provides assistance with coordination of daily activities under the direction of RN/LVN.\n18. Provides assistance to all levels of clinical and non-clinical staff when warranted and within level of competence and scope of practice as indicated within the unit specific competencies. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, Nights/Weekends/Holidays\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]