Career Center

This position is located at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA and reports to the Unit 4B Nurse Manager. The Unit 4B - Nursing Assistant (NA) functions as a member of the of the nursing care team and assists 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 in the health care setting. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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 Nursing Assistant 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. 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). English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-5: Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level) (a) 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 in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) 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 (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (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 Nursing Assistants 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. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. Physical Requirements: Rotation of tour assignments may be necessary. Long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. There is a need to use proper body mechanics. A variety of mechanical equipment is available to assist in providing patient care which involves lifting, pushing, etc. Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Transferring patients and objects. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix, G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-05. ["The Nursing Assistant is responsible for the evidence-based care of a group of patients and to perform a very wide range of patient personal care, support diagnostic services, and chart activities on a regular and continual basis on the hospice unit. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to promote a sense of worth and dignity within each individual such as: Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Performs personal care, diagnostic support duties and treatments according to procedure under the direction of the professional nurse in a timely manner. Responds to patient's nursing needs, including physical comfort, and emotional needs and recognizing deviations from the normal. Will involve patients and family to participate in the provision of care throughout the continuum. Completes assignments in a timely manner with constructive utilization of remaining time. Serves as a member of the interdisciplinary team, interacting with patients, families, professionals and supportive personnel. Organizes patient care assignments to meet the needs of the patients. Identifies changes in patient condition, both physical and emotional. Reports these in a timely manner and initiates appropriate action. Participates in Health Care Team meetings. Clearly and thoroughly records significant observations and actions on appropriate forms. Completes required patient care documentation and records significant observations and actions utilizing the nursing process in a clear and concise manner. Maintains a safe, clean, therapeutic environment and adheres to infection control guidelines. Prevents injury to self and others by complying with established safety procedures and uses proper body mechanics and transfer techniques. Participates in accomplishing unit maintenance tasks which includes checking equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely. Practices aseptic techniques during sterile procedures. Demonstrates safe work habits, identifies and immediately reports any unsafe conditions to the registered nurse. Identifies any life-threatening environmental hazards immediately, takes appropriate action, and reports findings to the registered nurse. Identifies potential risk and takes necessary precautions to insure the safety of the patient. Uses appropriate equipment for appropriate activity. Treats customers in a courteous and helpful manner that indicates dignity and respect. Communicates, both oral and written, are done in a professional manner and exemplify the mission and vision of this Healthcare System. Interacts with visitors/staff in a courteous, thoughtful, and caring manner using tact, discretion and patience when explaining policies and procedures or assisting in finding an answer to a problem. Displays a helpful, proactive attitude toward customers by answering questions and resolving problems to enhance customer satisfaction. Accepts assignments willingly, volunteers to help others, and works cooperatively and effectively with co-workers and supervisors displaying a helpful, positive attitude. Ensures confidential information is at all times safeguarded. Prevents protected information from being disclosed to unauthorized sources. Maintains a professional attitude by discussing protected information in a private setting. Knows, understands, and consistently complies with VA information security policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Work Schedule: 0730-1600 (Days) 8 Hour Tors, Weekends and Holidays Required.\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"]