OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans? A Recruitment or Relocation Incentive of $6,000-$10,000 is approved for these vacancies. 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Education or Training: Must possess one year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation, OR completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant. (TRANSCRIPTS or CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must meet the following GRADE REQUIREMENTS: GS-3 Level: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Level: 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 In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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 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; 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 In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46. The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-3 to a GS-5. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and lifting in the direct care of patients; some extended periods of sitting and/or standing. ["6CS - PCU (Progressive Care Unit) 6CS is an 11-bed progressive care unit. Progressive care is a level of care established to bridge the gap between ICU and the medical-surgical units with the goal of providing a higher intensity of patient care and/or higher level of nursing surveillance than possible on a general medical-surgical unit. Care is provided to the veteran population that has a vast variety of medical issues or has undergone a recent general surgical procedure. Patients admitted to the PCU are hemodynamically stable but may have a high potential for increased intensity of nursing care with less complexity than ICU level care. Nursing surveillance in the PCU may require 1-2 hour or temporary frequent monitoring of vital signs following procedures. Major Duties: Perform personal patient care as directed by the RN including bathing, feeding, grooming, and toileting. Perform basic restorative care including assistance with ambulation and transfers. Appropriately uses assistive devices for patient transfer and ambulation. Provide continuous protective observation in accordance with hospital guidelines and document per policy. Recognize, report and address any safety hazards, errors, falls, injuries, equipment failures, or concerns with staff/patient behavior. Understand basic body mechanics and use of safe patient handling equipment to ensure safe movement, transport, and positioning of patients. Adhere to infection control policies and guidelines. Use universal precautions when performing patient care. Activate emergency response system and perform BLS measures until appropriate assistance is available. Assist RNs in the transport of patients to tests, procedures and to other departments as needed. Timely response to patient call lights, patient needs or requests for patient or visitor assistance. Consistently address patients, families, visitors and staff with courtesy and respect. Demonstrate effective communication techniques and provide personalized care for patients who are confused, have dementia, or are unable to speak. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and use of restraints. Provide reinforcement of patient and family teaching provided by RN and MD. Work Schedules Available: Full-time, 3:30 AM-4 PM (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) OR (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) with a floating 8 hour shift every two weeks Part-time/.6/48 hours every two weeks, 11:30 AM-midnight (Saturday & Sunday) Federal holiday and weekend rotation when needed for leave coverage and unit needs A Recruitment or Relocation Incentive of $6,000-$10,000 is approved for these vacancies."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
