The Nursing Assistant (N.A) is an individual who delivers age specific care to adult Veterans according to established policies and procedures under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN). This work involves the provision of personal care associated with activities of daily living in addition to basic nursing care and nursing treatments and simple diagnostic procedures as directed by the RN, LPN, or provider.
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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Experience, Education or Training. You must meet one of the following to meet the basic requirements for a Nursing Assistant (NA): Six (6) 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-03 - None beyond the basic requirements. NAs at this grade NAs are considered entry-level and are closely supervised. GS-04 - To qualify at the GS-4 level you must meet the following: EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience as a Nursing Assistant or 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 two (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, in addition you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Ability to observe patients/residents' or residents' physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 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. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-05 - To qualify at the GS-5 level you must meet the following: EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are directly related to the specific assignment. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting licensed nursing staff and other members of the care team in the full range of nursing care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home, or community living care or other patients/residents who are receiving preventative, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. OR, EDUCATION: Successful completion of 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 you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 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. 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. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit: NURSING ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-621 VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO); 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Nursing Assistant - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Nursing-Assistant-Career-Flyer.pdf Major duties include but are not limited to: Recognizes the normal aging process and responds to meet the age specific needs of the Veterans including sensory/perceptual changes and physical needs for food, water, air. elimination, rest sleep and activity. Assists residents with personal care and other duties or care as directed such as bathing, personal hygiene, assisting with feeding, taking / recording vital signs, and assisting with ambulation. Provide resident centered - care, which is driven by the needs, preferences, and lifelong habits of the residents. Care is individualized to each resident, and the resident is a participant in their own care when possible. Correctly identifies Veterans by using two specific personal identifiers. Provides timely verbal reports regarding results of care or changes in Veteran's condition to the RN. Documents nursing care according to established nursing policy and procedures, in the written patient care books and/or in the electronic nursing care programs known as Caribou and/or CPRS. Keeps informed of all policies and procedures, guidelines, directives and regulations. Utilizes proper body mechanics, lifting devices and assistance from coworkers in performance of Veteran care activities. Reiterates and reinforces teaching and instructions that were previously presented by the RN. Provides care for those Veterans transported to facilities outside of VA Butler Healthcare. Contributes to work area conferences. Initiates emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and / or respiratory arrest and alerts licensed personnel immediately. Utilizes equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures. Monitors bowel and bladder functioning, tracking of intake and output. Administers specified skin treatments and comfort items such as ointments, solutions, lotions, and powders per applicable policy and procedure in compliance with Bar Code Medication Administration system (BCMA). Administers retention and non-retention enemas as well as rectal suppositories for purpose of lower bowel evacuation. Administers non-medicated eye drops used for comfort measures. Provides assigned respiratory care support services including the application and regulation of oxygen. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 2 pm - 10:30 pm - Rotating weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized