The VA New Jersey Healthcare Network is currently recruiting for one Nursing Assistant position at our Lyons location. This position is located within our Mental Health Unit. This position is open to current/permanent employees of the VA NJ Healthcare Network only.
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. Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR, One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR, Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-5 Nursing Assistant 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 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. Preferred Experience: 2 years mental health experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS5. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019
Duties for this position include, but are not limited to: Ability to provide a range of patient care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients Responsible for providing safe, effective care to patients/residents Will assistant patients with bathing, personal hygiene, and assisting with feeding Take, record and report vital signs accurately. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, specimen collection, etc Assist with ambulation and other duties or care as directed by Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, or providers. Incumbent observes patients/residents who may be confused or have other cognitive issues, providing a safe environment and reporting to the nurse when condition changes. This includes safety and one-on-one watch observations following Prevention and Management of Disruptive behavior (PMDB) competency Incumbent initiates emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and/or respiratory arrest, massive bleeding, shock, or assaultive behavior and alerts licensed personnel immediately Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families, and other health professionals Work Schedule: 7:00PM-7:30AM with rotating weekends/holidays Compressed/Flexible: No Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Nursing Assistant - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Nursing-Assistant-Career-Flyer.pdf