Career Center

This position is located in the Outpatient Medicine Unit (OMU) under the Division of Hospital and Specialty Medicine. The incumbent of this position provides a variety of duties ranging from direct patient care to administrative support to the OMU staff, providers and patients. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: a. 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.) b. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Nursing Assistant: Experience and Education: None beyond the 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: 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. Assignment: Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team 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 significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other healthcare professionals. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant: Experience- One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level; OR, Education- 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. 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. Preferred Experience: Prior medical-surgical and /or nursing facility experience References: VA Handbook 5005 - http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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 hour), pushing (1-2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (3 hours), standing (4-6 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinating simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability required. ["The Nursing Aide (NA) is responsible for assisting with the timely preparation and evaluation for patients' pre, intra and post procedural care. Receives and directs patients, from check-in to the infusion and/or procedural areas. Works directly with nursing staff as well as providers to coordinate patient flow throughout the unit. Receives and responds as able to inquiries from patients concerning a variety of medical, personnel, and administrative matters. Determines nature of inquiry and independently responds to administrative questions. Takes care of patients' routine care and comfort needs including; Personal hygiene, physical comfort, wellbeing, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, safety, etc. Performs standardized treatment procedures requiring advanced training and experience such as setting up electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring system and pre-procedure clipping. Reports observations of the patient regarding baseline mobility, nutrition, pain/comfort level, chief complaint, etc. Makes gross visual observations, recognizing abnormalities and brings these subjective and objective observations to the attention of appropriate medical/health care professional. For example, notifies appropriate nursing staff of deviations in pulse, respiration, temperature, blood pressure, pain and/or procedural sites. Identifies and reports data relative to more complex, nonroutine patient situations including subtle changes in patients' behavior, condition, or variances related to neurological signs, vital signs or other parameters. Monitors patients for adverse reactions following infusions or medical procedures and takes corrective action based on established policy and nursing guidance. Appropriately responds to emergency situations such as: cardiopulmonary failure, hemorrhaging, and shock by assisting in the performance of resuscitation measures. Secures patients' confidence and cooperation during procedures or infusions. Effectively communicates with patients and families, identifying and responding appropriately to patient needs. This includes addressing educational needs, increased anxiety, procedural knowledge deficits, personal and privacy needs. Provides general clerical/administrative support coordination work for the unit. Assists patients in how to schedule appointments, answering telephone inquiries regarding services available, and guides patient and/or family inquiries to the appropriate staff. Prepares all paper documentation for scanning by reviewing and quality checking per hospital policy. Analyzes the consistency of documentation and identifies any inconsistencies or discrepancies and discusses these with the appropriate staff. Assists in scanning medical documentation to the appropriate patient chart. Uses computer programs to produce specific printouts requested by the clinical staff. Assists in ordering patient meals and nutrition supplies. Orients personnel to the clinical areas. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday: 0700-1530 or 0700-1730\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]