Career Center

The Nursing Assistant is an integral part of the care team in providing care to the veterans that the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital serves. The Nursing Assistant is responsible for the delivery of patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse / Physician Assistant, or Physician. 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. Certification as a CNA by a State is a basic requirement for all grade levels or on the job experience at the facility for currently employed staff. Once certified, CNAs must maintain a full, active and unrestricted certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification will result in removal from the GS-621 CNA series and may result in termination of employment. Meets physical standards consistent with VA Directive and handbook 5019. Is proficient in English. Current BLS certification (American Heart Association. 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). GS 3 Grade Determinations: None beyond basic qualifications. GS 4 Grade Determinations: 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. GS 5 Grade Determinations: 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs identified 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. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: 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. CNAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Performance Standards for nursing assistants are differentiated based on the grade. In addition to the Performance Standards, each nursing assistant is also evaluated for competency based on VISN, position-specific, population-specific, and area-specific equipment statements listed in the Competency Assessment Checklist. The performance criteria and competency statements address the specific scopes of care for each nursing assistant and maintenance of computer security, patient/staff confidentiality and patient safety standards. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of Long term care & rehab experience. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 3 to GS 5. ["FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\nThis summary is neither inclusive nor exclusive of duties and responsibilities of the NA as a recognized essential member of the health care team duties and responsibilities assigned are consistent with the certification, skill and knowledge of the NA GS - 5. Practices within the scope and certification of a CNA in the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment and demonstrates consistent practice when temporarily assigned to related nursing units and clinics. Provides care and services to multiple populations served and admitted to the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment as determined by the patient/resident need for nursing care and services. Provides care of patients/residents and their environment contributing to optimizing patient/resident outcomes as a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Provides direct patient/resident care in the provision of the psychological, physical, social and cultural activities of daily living, complete and supportive. Provides for the care of patients/residents with dignity and continuous consideration of the individuals emotional needs. Provides reporting, communication and documentation in the computerized patient record system with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Maintains certification, BCLS, and currency in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, Hines VA Hospital, VISN and National Agencies. The NA demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, application of technical standards and performance of administrative support duties. Demonstrates competency in all GS 3 and GS 4 NA skills and but not limited to: Sterile surgical dressing changes including but not limited to dry dressing over the gastrostomy tube, and any dressing that do not include treatments. Care of patients with PICCs and CVCs, Care of patients with chest tubes, ventilator patients, tracheotomy patients, and assists with leading patient activity groups. The NA demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with standard operating procedures for the maintenance of reusable medical equipment. The NA participates in Medical Center activities and demonstrates skills and behaviors that provide and promote positive internal and external customer relationships. The NA attends unit level and Medical Center meetings and develops as an employee to support committee participation. The NA maintains patient/resident safety standards assuring patient /resident privacy, patient/resident physical safety, and patient/resident psychological safety. The NA establishes working relationships with multi-disciplinary and multi-level members of the work team promoting the physical, psychological and emotional safety of the working environment for all team members. The NA provides assistance and support to the Registered Nurse and/or provider within the scope of the CNA certification/grade and consistent with Medical Center policy. The NA demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide care and services consistent with Infection Control Standards of Practice providing optimal outcomes for patients, residents, visitors and employees. The NA recognizes, responds and initiates appropriate level response to medical emergency such as cardiac and/or respiratory failure. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Refer to the service Organizational Chart for the supervisory chain of command and the location of the position. The incumbent is under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Manager or other supervisor who provides the administrative supervision and general instruction, plans and assigns work, assigns time schedules, approves leave, and completes performance evaluations. Clinical supervision is provided by a Clinical Nurse Manager/designee. Incumbent is responsible for being self-directed in the delivery of patient care under moderate to close supervision and instruction by the registered nurse. During non-administrative tours, the Nursing Officer of the Day provides general supervision. AGE, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURAL NEEDS OF PATIENTS:\nThe population of male and female patients served ranges from the adult, age 18, to the elderly adult, age 65 and older. Age-related and cultural interventions appropriate to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs will be employed at all times, tailored to the individual patient, incorporating knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development. Work Schedule: LTC ECC 2B (Hospice unit). 11:30pm - 8:00am Monday thru Friday with rotating weekends & holidays.\nTelework: Not Available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]