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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. This announcement will remain open until March 31, 2023 (or when positions filled). The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 1, 2022. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions filled. Please refer to Required Documents section of the announcement to ensure all required documents is submitted. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, or date application referred to selecting official. 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 assist may also meet in the full experience 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. Preferred Experience: Certification preferred, but not required. One year of mental health experience preferred, but not required. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Education & Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Experience. One year of specialized experience as a nursing assistant or experience in another medical field (LPN, 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: 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 of 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 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Vocation 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 nursing assistants by assisting with 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. References: Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621 Veterans Health Administration, VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46. 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: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The position potentially requires 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 don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or other psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. In addition, the incumbent must be emotionally stable and adjust to different types of personalities, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy and concern. He or she must be quick and dependable in taking emergency action as directed and use initiative in preventing accidents. ["The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Columbia VA Health Care System, Inpatient Mental Health Unit, in Columbia, South Carolina. The Nursing Assistant is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and performs assignments as a Nursing Assistant in Mental Health. Assigned tasks require personal care, basic technical competence and skill, patient documentation and patient teaching. 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 and/or end of life care. This position will also provide individualized care according to established policies following the patient plan of care. Duties include, but are not limited to: Measures vital signs Records treatments findings, and progress in electronic patient record Performs and record a variety of advanced specialized treatments Provides 1:1 observation for suicidal, wander, or high fall risk patients Uses personal protection equipment (PPE) Maintains patient confidentiality Accepts and carries out instructions from supervisor Enters information into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Teach patients and the family members the need to continue procedures for proper health care Ensures proper specimen collection Exercises careful work habits and caution to assure a safe environment for patients Promotes the physical independence of the patients Cleans reusable medical equipment on the unit and maintains a neat and orderly patient care environment Performs other duties as assigned by management and within scope of responsibility Work Schedule: Rotating shifts/days/evenings/nights (7a-3:30p; 3p-11:30p; 11a-7:30p). Tour of duty subject to change and will be determined based on agency needs.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant/01443A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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