The Laborer - Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) program assists those who want to start their nursing career at the VA. This position participates in a 6-month training, serving as an assistant and is responsible for supporting the daily needs of Veterans in the Community Living Center and other Rehab and Extended Care programs. The incumbent will receive occupational training, leading to a potential conversion as a Nursing Assistant upon completion of training and competency review.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligible are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Reliability And Dependability Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Work Practices Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. NOTE: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
This announcement will be used to capture applicants for current and future vacancy opportunities. The first round of applicants for our next class will be reviewed starting 08/11/2025. Candidates hired for this IVAN position will receive supervised clinical training. After successful completion of the program, each IVAN employee has up to 24 months to take the Nurse Aide Training Competency, however this is not a requirement. They may continue to work as an IVAN employee until they are hired permanently, or until notice is given to discontinue participation in the IVAN program, up to 6 months from the start date. This position has high visibility throughout the institution and requires excellent customer service skills. The employee assists in all aspects of support for patient care including the movement of patients, equipment, supplies and staff assistance. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for the safe and efficient movement of Veterans, either alone or with an nursing staff member as needed Receives requests and complies with excellent customer service and phone etiquette Responds to requests to procure supplies, equipment, etc. from and for various areas of the facility, as requested by supervisor Assists with lifting & moving patients between rooms or wards using Safe Patient Handling equipment Assists with CLC related therapeutic recreation by transporting Veterans and assisting with maintaining safety of Veterans during program Maintains safety of Veterans in the Red Vest program by following red vest SOP Assists with Rehabilitation activities through patient transport and equipment assembly and delivery Maintains competencies and is able to assist with physical management of disruptive behavior in mental health or other areas of the facility Provides and transports equipment as available Disinfects / wipes down equipment with approved cleaning product prior to and after each patient transport Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Work Schedule: Varies Monday - Friday, typical hours 7:30am - 4:00pm, 20 hours per week. Position Description Title/PD#: Laborer- Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) Training Program/PD90516A Telework: Not authorized Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized Virtual/Remote Position: This is not a virtual/remote position. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Ability to be on feet for the majority of the day. Will be required to stand and walk up to 10-hours a day throughout the facility. Will be required to climb and descend stairs to reach certain destinations. Must have no lifting restrictions. Will be required to push and pull wheelchairs and other equipment weighing up to 400 pounds. Will be required to push and pull beds and equipment, with assistance, weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Will be required to transport supplies weighing up to 20 pounds. Will be required to transport patient belongings and miscellaneous equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. Will be required to transport patients and items up and down an incline of 1 (one) inch per foot. Will be required to have bilateral motor coordination to handle patients and equipment. Will be required to assist with physical management of disruptive behavior in patients. Working Conditions: Work will be performed on the grounds of the Saint Cloud VA Health System, primarily within the facility. Main duties include lifting and positioning patients, assisting with disruptive behavior patients in a clinical setting, transporting and moving patients, and cleaning reusable medical equipment. Pushing and pulling hospital equipment, walking distances, taking stairs, and answering cell phone will be daily occurrences. Retrieving equipment from around the hospital and grounds, and delivering equipment to various areas is expected. Assisting clinical staff with obtaining equipment and other patient support items will be needed. Work is in a Medical Center setting and involves possible exposure to contagious disease which will require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified.