Career Center

The Nursing Assistant functions 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. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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-03. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Grandfathering Provisions. 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. 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). Preferred Experience: Certification as a Nursing Assistant 3 years of ICU experience Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03, Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04, Nursing Assistant Experience. One year f 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: 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 resident's 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, Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year f 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, 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards. 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: Moderate lifting;15-44 pounds, Moderate carrying;15-44 pounds, Straight pulling (1 hours) 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), Both legs required Both eyes required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Specific visual requirement 20/40 DVA corrected 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. ["Completes all care assignments in a safe and timely manner\nActively participates in unit level quality improvement activities and attends huddles, team meetings, and assigned committees.\nCompletes 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.\nUses 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.\nAdheres to all reusable medical equipment (RME) standard operating procedures.\nParticipates in the equipment inventory process.\nImplements the appropriate interventions to prevent/reduce hospital acquired pressure ulcers and patient falls under the direction of the RN/LVN.\nPerforms nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures, but not limited to: catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices.\nMay assist with surgical skin preparation to include hair clipping and holding limbs.\nParticipates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the Veteran.\nMaintains BLS certification and demonstrates proper procedure in initiating CPR.\nTransports patients safely and professionally as assigned using hand-off communication tool.\nTransports medication, supplies, equipment, blood and specimens and any other transport needs as directed.\nMonitors patients according to levels of observation i.e. 1:1 veterans as well as veterans in a close observation status in accordance with facility polies.\nPerforms other tasks requested by the RN/LVN or primary care provider.\nProvides assistance with coordination of daily activities under the direction of RN/LVN.\nProvides assistance to all levels of clinical and non-clinical staff when warranted and within level of competence and scope of practice as indicated within the unit specific competencies.\nIs 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.\nIs able to utilize knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when assisting with patient care.\nIs able to recognize and initiate life saving measures appropriately in the absence of other members of the Health Team.\nIs able to participate in the planning and/or implementation of various codes and emergency management procedures.\nParticipates in group meetings to help patients share feelings, improve socialization skills and enhance their self-esteem.\nApplies 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.\nAssists the professional nurse in planning and implementation of patient educational or recreational activities.\nMotivates patients to participate in learning and recreational activities to improve their quality of life.\nIs able to recognize patient care management difficulties or problems and brings their finding to the attention of the registered Nurse.\nIs able to provide emotional support to the dying patient and family.\nIs able to recognize acute and subtle changes and consistency in patients' mental and physical condition and reports timely and appropriately.\nObserves a patient every 60 minutes while on the unit and more frequently as directed in accordance with facility policies.\nIs able to recognize and reports signs of physical and emotional abuse of patient, family and significant others.\nAbility to effectively and appropriately use email as a valuable communication tool and allocate Work Schedule: Rotating Shift, Compressed Work Schedule, Days, Nights and Weekends, Full time\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]