Career Center

The Nursing Assistant will work as a Nursing Assistant/Monitoring Technician (NA-MT) at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. 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. 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. Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical per 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. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Preferred Experience: Experience equivalent with providing continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients via virtual sitter monitoring equipment. Grade Determinations: 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. Examples of qualifying experience include, but may not be limited to functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting licensed nursing staff, and other members of a care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs 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 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 MARCH 12, 2015 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The position potentially requires 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 other 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. ["This is an open continuous posting and may close before the listed closing date. A certificate will be issued every 15 days until a selection is made. The NA-MT functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists licensed nursing staff in the care of Veterans receiving Inpatient care or other Veterans who are in acute, subacute or chronic states of illness. The NA-MT assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs, which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NA-MTs assume a peer education/mentorship role. Duties include but not limited to:\nProvision of Patient Care/Patient Monitoring* (critical element): Provides input to Team Leader/Charge Nurse for making out assignment prior to receiving report at the start of scheduled tour. Listens attentively to report, notes pertinent items, and integrates information received with prior knowledge of Veteran. Formulates work schedule based on prioritization of Veteran care needs. Provides dependable and timely age-specific nursing care for more complex patients by: a. Accepting adults chosen life-styles and assisting with necessary adjustments relating to health. b. Recognizing adults' values and function of independence and ability to be self-sustaining in life. c. Supporting change necessary for health. d. Assisting patients to keep physically and socially active and to maintain peer group interactions. e. Assisting patients to cope with loss (e.g., hearing, eyesight, death of significant others). f. Assisting patients with self-care as required, and with maintaining as much independence as possible. Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the Video Monitoring (VM) software and maintains visual observation on the patient at all times. The NA/MT redirects the patient over a digital 2-way audio device that is in the patient room. The NA/MT is capable of continuous monitoring of up to 16 patients on a screen at a time. The NA/MT provides general Veteran care associated with cardiac monitoring such as assessing and/or changing electrodes, batteries and troubleshooting alarms or functionality of the equipment. He/she demonstrates flexibility, accuracy and timeliness in job functions in response to unexpected changes in work volume, emergencies, staffing or scheduling. Immediately summons the nursing staff on the appropriate unit if the patient requires assistance. Arranges meal break times with the nurse and informs the nurse prior to leaving the monitoring station for any reason so that relief may be provided to ensure constant patient observation. Assists with the delivery of procedures/treatments for a team of patients, in an organized and timely manner in accordance with established policy and procedure, seeking guidance when necessary. Preserves patient confidentiality, respects patient/family/significant other rights, and assists the multidisciplinary team with resolving ethical issues. Recognizes medical emergencies and initiates appropriate intervention. Functions as a therapeutic companion for Veteran who needs close observation. Therapeutic companion assignment includes providing care (bath, personal hygiene, feeding, elimination, and intake and output) for Veteran and preventing Veteran from hurting him/herself or interfering with the treatment by pulling out lines/IVs. Keeps Veteran under direct supervision. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 6:45 pm - 7:15 am alternating weekends off, rotating shifts\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Nursing Assistant/PD00061F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]