Nursing Assistants (NAs) at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients who are in an acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness. This is a full time permanent position with rotating shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.
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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English Education or Training: 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 Requirements. Creditable Experience. Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of Experience. To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Nursing Assistant - (Entry Level) : Experience and Education - None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Nursing Assistant - (a) 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). 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 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) (a) 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 in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) 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. Preferred Experience: At least1 Year Experience Experience in a critical care area Relevant training / certification References: VA Handbook 5005 APPENDIX G46 NURSING ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-621 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 the following physical functional requirement: a. Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling, 1 hour; 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 ; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; : 20/40 DVA; both eyes required; 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
Nursing Assistant - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Nursing-Assistant-Career-Flyer.pdf As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you serve as a member of the nursing team, performing a variety of nursing assignments in the outpatient clinical setting. The CNA also provides support to providers and nurses in the performance of personal care and assisting with diagnostic examinations. The CNA requires excellent customer service and communication skills when dealing with the veterans, their family and co-workers. Tasks include: The CNA will foster/support a learning environment by participation in the orientation of new employees, current events, and other therapeutic groups. Must have basic computer skills to perform daily tasks. Reports patient observations to the RN/LVN and or other members of the treatment team The CNA will be required to monitor patients who are disoriented and in need of constant direction. You will be required to work as a team in improving patient care. You will be required to perform other related duties as assigned. Clinical Skills 1. Completes all care assignments in a safe and timely manner 2. Actively participates in unit level quality improvement activities and attends huddles, team meetings, and assigned committees. 3. 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. 4. 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. Emergency Intervention: 1. Is able to apply knowledge of effective verbal interactions and preventative tactics, such as the use of the least restrictive environment, when confronted by aggressive, potentially assaultive, disruptive, confused and elopement risk patients. 2. Is able to utilize knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when assisting with patient care. Patient Education and Planned Activities: 1. Participates in group meetings to help patients share feelings, improve socialization skills and enhance their self-esteem. 2. Applies knowledge of human behavior and the various degrees of physical and mental impairment, is able to reinforce patient/family teaching provided by the registered nurse. Assessment and Communication: 1. Is able to recognize patient care management difficulties or problems and brings their finding to the attention of the registered nurse. 2. Is able to communicate with patients and families in a calming, reassuring, and supportive manner. Interpersonal Relationships: 1. Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and all members of the Interdisciplinary Team. 2. Maintains courtesy during telephone and direct verbal interactions with patients, families, visitors, coworkers, and supervisors. Fire and Safety/Infection Control: 1. Maintains a safe work environment and has knowledge of Safety and Infection Control Guidelines. 2. Utilizes proper body mechanics, encourages others to do so, and includes participates during unit In-service and Patient Care Conferences. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, Compressed Work Schedule, Nights, weekends, and Holidays Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized