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If you ARE a current, permanent employee of VHA or another Federal Agency, you should apply using announcement CBST-11267724-22-AH This position is located within Nursing Service at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Nursing Assistant is responsible for providing safe, effective care to Veterans within a variety of settings: Critical Care, Acute Care, Emergency Room and/or Mental Health. 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 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. (NOTE: TRANSCRIPT OR CERTIFICATION AS NURSING ASSISTANT IS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION). 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 (Entry Level) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 (Developmental Level) 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: (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this grade level, please be specific in describing duties performed which demonstrate that you possess the KSAs required for this position/grade level, we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). 1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3. 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. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 (Full Performance Level) 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. 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: (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this grade level, please be specific in describing duties performed which demonstrate that you possess the KSAs required for this position/grade level, we may not make assumptions regarding your experience): 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 NAs 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81 PART II APPENDIX G46. 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. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; straight pulling one (1) hour; pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking seven (7) hours; standing seven (7) hours; kneeling 1/2 hour; repeated bending; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination 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; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing without aid; mental/emotional stability. ["This is an Open Continuous Announcement to fill multiple vacancies in various services within VHSO (Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks). Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE, OR YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ELECTRONIC NOTICE THAT YOU ARE RATED INELIGIBLE. SEE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION FOR DETAILS. KSAs MUST BE DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR RESUME. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT AND REFER BACK TO IT OFTEN WHEN WRITING YOUR RESUME. Duties may include but are not limited to: Assisting with bathing, personal hygiene, ambulation, and feeding; as well as taking, recording, & reporting vital signs accurately. Observes patients who may be confused or have other cognitive issues, providing safe environment, and reports to nurse when condition changes. Initiates emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and /or respiratory arrest, massive bleeding, shock, or assaultive behavior and alerts licensed personal immediately. Documents vital signs and activities of daily living in electronic health record. Assists with ambulation and transporting of veterans within the medical center. Communicates orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. Properly utilizes equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, EKG's etc. Provides patient care and support that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of the patient(s) served. Assist in inpatient areas when assigned. Obtain COVID-19 swabs. Work Schedule: This announcement will be used to fill various tours of duty. The section and Tour of Duty being filled will be identified upon call for interview.\nTelework: Not available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]