This position is located in Nursing Service, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID. This position provides support to Veterans that are in need of long term and acute care.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/20/2025. 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. 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. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Nursing Assistant: Experience and Education- None beyond 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). 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: 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.
Assists in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems while meeting their diverse needs based on age, culture, ethnic, spiritual, and war conflict group, in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or /Licensed Practical Nurse. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the individual Veteran's treatment plan. Implements team decisions, reports outcomes, and participates in evaluation of outcomes. Promotes and participates in unit performance improvement initiatives, identifies problems, collects data, and supports change. Conducts self-assessment for continuous learning and growth seeking out educational opportunities and shares expertise with colleagues. Performs procedures to maintain proper nutrition, airway, circulation, elimination, muscle strength, neurological functions, and promotes ADL/hygiene protocols and documents care provided in the ADL note. Meets the patient's needs for privacy. Ensures that patients are appropriately covered by clothing or bedding. Closes the patient's door, curtains, and blinds to ensure privacy when providing direct patient care. Follows the medical center policy for release of information and respects patient confidentiality. Consistently performs a range of technical procedures including 12 Lead ECGs, blood glucose monitoring, phlebotomy, and straight catheterization per demonstrated competency/certification. Work Schedule: Compressed schedule, nights. Telework: Not Available Virtual/Remote: This is not a virtual/remote position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized