Career Center

Nursing Assistant (NA) on the Community Living Center (CLC) provides clinical support for the adult and geriatric Veteran under the direction of the RN and LPN. NA practice includes all activities of daily living, and general nursing duties and tasks to help the team restore the Veteran to the highest level of independence or be remaining comfortable toward the end of life. NA can be assigned clinical and nonclinical duties. 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. 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 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). Grade Determinations: GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4: 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 In addition to the above experience/education, 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. GS-5: 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 In addition to the above experience/education, 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: A Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, March 12, 2015. 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 (45lbs and over), straight pulling (up to 6 hours), pushing (up to 2 hours), use of fingers, walking (up to 6 hours), standing (up to 2 hours), repeated bending (up to 6 hours), ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, and visual acuity 20/30 corrected. Environmental factors include working with hands in water and working closely with others. ["Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-5 level, duties will include, but are not limited to: Provides care that offers no evidence or concern of abuse: care is given that demonstrates the Veteran's right to be free from verbal, sexual, physical and mental abuse. Intervenes and reports immediately any evidence of care given that demonstrates mistreatment, neglect, and misappropriation of property. Ensures the Veteran/resident is wearing the correct identification bracelet. Demonstrates a respect and courtesy for Veterans at all times. Performs, and can mentor other CNAs, in activities of daily living (ADL) by helping Veterans in their physical functioning, to include personal hygiene (bathing), eating, assisting Veterans in and out of bed/wheelchairs using proper lifting techniques and safe patient handling equipment. Demonstrates the need for minimal supervision and proficient skill in promoting independence in daily living activities by following the Veteran's Restorative Plan of Care. Performance demonstrates the Veteran is taught and encouraged to give as much of their self-care as is possible, while respecting the Veteran's preferences. Follows the Restorative Plan of Care and performs range of motion exercises, turning and positioning, ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises in the Plan of Care. Mentors other CNAs in a variety of general nursing duties competently. Performs under the supervision of a RN, and when assigned, catheter care, oral-pharyngeal suctioning and tracheostomy suctioning and tracheostomies that are non-complicated and at least five days old. Uses aseptic technique and changes clean dressings. Maintains and monitors oxygen therapy as directed by the RN, assignment or written care plan, to include management and operation of oxygen tanks. Performs assistive cough and deep breathing exercises. Applies binders, splints, supportive devices, braces, and other simple devices to aid Veterans in positioning for therapy, applies hot and cold packs, prepares patients for tests, examinations, and treatments. Collects specimens and correctly labels specimens for laboratory examinations and assures timely transportation. Applies ointments, shampoos, and creams considered medications under the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP Policy) and mentors fellow CNAs in performing medication administration per policy. Reviews the Veterans treatment plan and follows the plan in performing resident care. Updates the plan of care in the resident's room and reports/verifies changes and discrepancies to the charge nurse. Participates in CLC activity and actions to improve the quality of care for Veterans. Independently implements the Veterans specific plan of care to prevent falls with injury and pressure sores. Accepts quality improvement assignments of monitoring compliance when assigned. Participates in the nursing care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings, using knowledge of the Veteran and reports Veteran problems, helps plan individualized care and discharge planning. Cleans and maintains equipment independently or at the direction of the RN/LPN. Inspects devices and determines if the device is safe to use, or removes the device, notifies supervisor, and implements the process to have the device repaired. Demonstrates self-direction and responsibility by maintaining all education required by the CLC such as completing required courses. Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of patients. Orients the Veteran to the room and safety features. Initiates Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver for choking, and first aid in accordance with established Medical Center policy and initiates or complies with other emergency procedures as necessary, including fire and disaster. Implements leisure and diversional activities for the Veteran and promotes meaningful use of time that enhanced independence, positive self-esteem and relaxing leisure experiences. Works the schedule assigned which requires being ready and able to work at the beginning of the tour, working on weekends, holidays and day, evening or night shift. Mandatory overtime is performed per unit practice to preserve the safety of the Veterans and operation of the unit. Accurately documents treatments and care given to the Veteran in their medical record. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, 3:30pm - 12:00am, 11:30pm - 8:00am. Rotating schedule to include some weekends.\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"]