Career Center

This intermittent "float" position supports multiple locations across the facility. Administratively, the positions will be located in the Inpatient Acute Care Directorate or Nursing Practice Directorate at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago. This announcement is for a temporary appointment in a drug testing position. Vacancies may not currently exist. Applications are reviewed in the order received and only when there is an available vacancy. 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. One year above high school with courses related to the [NA] occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year [ ] as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. English Language Proficiency. [NAs] must be proficient in spoken and written English. Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. (2) 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. (3) 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. 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). All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. 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. To be considered at the GS-5 level you must demonstrate least one year of related experience reflecting the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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. OR, you may qualify using education and experience 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 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. [NAs] at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81, PART II, APPENDIX G46 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long-periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected and/or contaminated patient materials and may be required to don protecting clothing in isolation situations. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations; 6 able to shift priorities based on patient needs. (Functional Statement) ["The function of the Nursing Assistant (NA) is to assist the Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and the medical team in the care and management of patients in the facility. Specifically, the individual will serve as a flexible resource and \"float\" to the following patient care areas as needed and directed by the appropriate Nurse Manager and/or Nursing Supervisor: Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Unit; Intensive Care Unit (ICU); Emergency Department (ED); Inpatient Mental Health (MH) and all Community Living Centers as well as Green House Homes. The intermittent NA will be notified of their assignment by their immediate Supervisor and/or Nursing Supervisor when reporting for duty.\nDuties of the Nursing Assistant assigned to this position include all functions and responsibilities performed at previous GS levels. The incumbent will build upon knowledge of basic nursing care and standardized procedures to provide care to the patients. He/she can perform tasks after receipt of patient data and information.\nDuties include and are not limited to: One-to-one observations including line of sight and arms-length 1:1 patient care observation. Completes appropriate documentation for 1:1s and/or close observation. Knowledgeable of stages of adult development and how it may relate to nursing care Supports the health care team through the reinforcement of patient education. Safely performs the following functions: a. Provides routine hygienic/activities of daily living care. b. Performs actions targeted to the maintenance/restoration of skin integrity. c. Collects patient specimens. d. Administers a variety of comfort measures. e. Follows seizure precautions as directed. f. Transports patients with oxygen. g. Appropriately uses protective/restraining devices (such as, bed alarm, chair alarm, toilet alarm). Accurately documents I & 0 Reports situations that involve changes in condition or behavior. Promotes correct use of ambulation devices. Recognizes safety risks related to dementia, delirium, and psychiatric disorders. Assists with toileting activities as appropriate. Performs finger stick blood glucose Performs simple treatments including the application of topical cream/ointments, and uncomplicated dressings. Work Schedule: Days, PMs, or Nights with rotation to other shifts including weekends and holidays. Tour will be discussed in more detail during interview process.\nTelework: Not available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT INTERMITTENT \"FLOAT\" NURSING ASSISTANT (NA) Occupational Series 0621/GS-05\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]