Details
Posted: 10-May-22
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Salary: Open
Categories:
Nursing Support
Internal Number: 653147000
The Nursing assistant's primary purpose will be to serve in a capacity as a member of the nursing team, performing a variety of nursing assignments of general nature; administering care to patients and support to providers and nurses in the performance of personal care; assisting with diagnostic examinations; and treating the patient, family/significant other/co-workers and peers with respect and courtesy at all times. This is a Nursing Assistant position for the 5A Med/Surg Unit. 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: Med/Surg experience of greater than 6 months BLS certified Prefer experience with medical adult patients Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. 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. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting;15-35 pounds, Moderate carrying;15-35 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. ["Some basic computer skills will be essential to performing your duties as a Nurse Assistant. You will be required to enter specific information into the patients' electronic records or charts using standard medical terminology. You will be responsible for teaching patients and family members the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care and encouraging patients in self-care activities within their individual capacities as outline on their care plan. You will be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Nursing Assistant provides technical nursing care to the adult and geriatric patients according to the established plan of care by the health care team. Diagnostic and therapeutic duties which includes, but may not be limited to the following: obtaining and recording vital signs, measuring and recording intake and outputs, Accucheck blood glucose monitoring and recording, provide all aspects of ADL's to include, toileting, ambulating, transporting, feeding, bathing, bed making, turning and positioning patients; providing oral, nail, hair and related hygiene care; may include tube feedings; assisting physician or nurse with diagnostic procedures and exams; suctioning mouth and larynx; performs a range of treatment procedures which includes using hot and cold packs; discontinuing I.V. catheters, performs EKG's, bladder scans, colostomy care and other procedures as specified by nursing policy; Incumbent also recognizes emergency situations; initiates CPR and seeks assistance. 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.\nAge differences - delivers nursing care that reflects the various phases of the life cycle from 18 to 85 years and over.\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 timely and 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. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Rotating Shifts, Day shift 7:30am-4:00pm, 7:30am--8:00pm, Evening shift 3:30pm-12:00am, Night shift 7:30pm-8:00am, 11:30pm-8:00pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Nursing Assistant/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]