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The Nursing Assistant within this organization is responsible for delivering patient/resident care in a variety of settings. 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 or Training. 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 Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistants 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 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level). Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Nursing Assistant. 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). The candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.3. 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.4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level)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 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 KSAs:1. 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.2. 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.3. 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. 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: Working with adult/geriatric population. Experience with Mental Health patients. Able to work in fast pace, high stress environment. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualifications Standard, GS-621. 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. 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: This position requires visual acuity (Correctable to 20/40), hearing clear distinctive speech (correctable to 20db), and manual dexterity to perform prescribed procedures/computer usage. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or during patient operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and is able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Ability to work varying hours of duty and be floated to other patient care areas as necessary. ["Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 1) Demonstrates dependability and reliability by scheduling and using leave appropriately for positive impact on patient/resident care. 2) Recognizes and reports subtle or obvious changes in patient's/resident's behavior, communication, or physical condition. Documents observations, changes in patient's/resident's condition, and response to nursing interventions as applicable. 3) Assists in the development of the nursing care plan by defining problems and needs and suggesting nursing actions based on information gained through interaction with the patient/resident and/or group meetings. 4) Assists with planned therapy sessions in conjunction with RN. Works with assigned patients/residents using a variety approaches for the purpose of promoting independence and self reliance and encouraging patients/residents to accept responsibility for their own behavior. Shares patient/resident information and reactions with the interdisciplinary team. 5) Assists in maintaining a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment. Recognizes and reports problems and makes suggestions for corrective actions. 6) Anticipates potential for critical situations attempts to prevent such situations. Recognizes and takes appropriate action in emergencies. 7) Delivers safe, basic physical and emotional care to patients/residents with simple to complex needs while developing technical skills under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. Adheres to VA BHHCS and Nursing policies and procedures. a) Personal Hygiene: bathing and perineal care, oral hygiene, denture care, shaving, grooming, bed making. b) Positioning and Activity: Positions patients using principles of body mechanics in lifting, alignment, turning, ambulation, transferring and repositioning patients with the use of proper equipment. c) Nutrition and Fluids: Assists patients at mealtimes and feeds patients as needed. Measures and records intake and output. Utilizes adaptive feeding equipment. d) Elimination: Maintains bowel function. Measures and records output and disposes of bodily wastes as assigned. Collects and labels specimens as indicated. Performs bladder scans. e) Obtains, records, reports vital signs and measurements which include temperature, pulse, respirations, pain, blood pressure including orthostatic, height, weight, abdominal or extremity girth, peripheral blood sugar and pulse oximetry. f) Understands, assembles, operates, and cleans reusable medical equipment. Work Schedule: Day Shift and Evening shift ; 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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