Career Center

Sheridan Veterans Health Care System is recruiting for a Nursing Assistant. Sheridan VAHCS embraces patient-family centered care principles. The NA makes caring for the veteran his/her priority while in the work setting and demonstrates customer service principles in all aspects of work. The Nursing Assistant provides patient/resident care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Physician, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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. 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. 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-03: None beyond the basic requirementsGS-04: 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; In addition, 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-05: 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; 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 G46The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. ["The NA provides direct patient/resident care in a variety of settings, including acute medical unit, acute or sub-acute mental health unit, community living center, residential rehabilitation and ambulatory care. Care includes assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Other responsibilities include, but not limited to: Assists in the care and treatment of patients receiving medical, surgical, psychiatric, or outpatient treatment. Observes and reports changes in patient behavior, attitude, and appearance, such as patients' color, vital signs, wound/skin condition, and reaction to/results of treatment. Assists in the performance of diagnostic/assessment examinations by performing duties such as the taking/monitoring, recording, and reporting of vital signs, height, weight, patient concerns/symptoms, and less obvious changes in patients' condition. Assists with treatment and diagnostic procedures by preparing and positioning the patient, obtaining supplies/equipment, reassuring the patient, cleaning up following the procedure, documenting/reporting concerning the procedure, and conducting post-procedure checks on the patient. Provides care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior, including those who are severely depressed, agitated, and/or acting out and those patients with complex medical conditions. The care provided frequently involves setting up/working around various types of medical equipment and the use of medical supplies. Recognizes emergency situations and appropriately intervenes while awaiting assistance. Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing patients' comfort and health status. Performs patient care and comfort measures addressing patients' biopsychosocial needs, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, hydration, skin care, rehabilitation, and safety. Identifies and reports data relative to more complex patient situations including subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition, or variances related to neurological and vital signs, actual and potential safety issues, and other parameters. Explains to patients and family members the necessity of procedures for proper health care. Provides specific health information based on patient's condition, such as acceptance of limited physical mobility, proper body mechanics, and the importance of adhering to prescribed regimens for both medical and mental health conditions. Enters specific information into the patient's electronic record using appropriate formats, medical terminology, and templates. This information must be entered in a complete, confidential, and professional manner to insure information on the patient is shared with other VA staff. This information is to be reviewed on a regular basis. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies. Attendance of all appropriate staff meetings(interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, other committees as appropriate, etc.) is necessary. Additional duties may be required to be performed, as needed. Work Schedule: Varies, all shifts, all days\nRecruitment Incentive: May be available for highly qualified candidates\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]