Career Center

These positions are located within the Nursing Service at Boise VA Medical Center. The service is currently recruiting to fill positions in the following specialties: Emergency Department, Float Pool, Community Living Center (CLC), ICU, Step Down Units (SDU), Transitions of Care (TRC), and 2MS. NAs function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, and/or acute care. 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. 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. 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 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 NA (Developing 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: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. Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, 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/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs] or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, 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. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 NA (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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) 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 (c) Demonstrated 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 [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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for [NAs]. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff 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. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. [NAs] at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. 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. Mechanical patient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to patients with active infections and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in certain situations. 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, and be 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 incumbent who provides care in other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. ["The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Provides assistance with bathing and personal hygiene needs, shower or bed bath, shaving, nail care, toileting, and activities of daily living. Drains catheter bags, sets up meal trays and assists with feeding, monitors and documents food/fluid intake and output, and turns and repositions bedridden patients regularly to prevent skin breakdown. Uses appropriate safe patient handling (SPH) equipment for patient turns, re-positioning and transfers to minimize risk of injury to patient and self. Keeps patient area clean and tidy, removes excess clutter, and makes beds. Answers the call light and does bedside rounding. Room set up for admission, and breakdown for discharges. At all times demonstrates effective and professional communication skills with the patient and family, especially with clients experiencing behavioral issues, depression, anger, irritation, suicide ideation, substance abuse withdrawal and pain or discomfort. Identifies and reports data relative to more complex patient situations including subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition, or variances related to neurological signs, vital signs, and other parameters. Takes direction and assists nurses in the care and treatment of the ill receiving medical, surgical, psychiatric, or outpatient treatment. Observes and reports to the professional nurse changes in patient vital signs, behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance. Reports atypical or abnormal capillary blood glucose (CBG) results and vital signs to the nurse immediately. Ensures two patient identifiers for all tests conducted, e.g., ECG's and CBG's. Provides appropriate level care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior, including the severely depressed, suicidal, or homicidal patient, and the drug or alcohol abuse patient. Recognizes emergency situations and intervenes while awaiting assistance. Provides nursing treatment for acutely ill patients whose needs require advance skill such as (DS)placing patient on cardiac monitor, taking EKG's(DS). Assists nurses in the performance of bedside diagnostic examinations and therapies by ensuring patient privacy, setting up with equipment and supplies and performing duties such as monitoring vital signs, preparing and positioning the patient, or by performing a variety of routine diagnostic tests. Maintains cleanliness and removes unnecessary items from the immediate procedural area. Observes universal precautions and facility workplace guidelines at all times. Reports observations of the condition of acute or chronic phase patients such as excessive vomiting, professional bleeding, nurse type. Prepares and amount patients of for drainage, transport skin to integrity, diagnostic patency procedures of that airway, occur etc. to outside the of the unit. Enters specific information onto patients' records or charts, including vital signs and daily weights. Follows designated charting technique to post to patients' charts that provides a daily outline or summary of the patient's care. Documents pertinent information inducing current health status, and/or subtle changes in the patient's bio-psychosocial status. Performs direct patient support work including personal patient care and/or patient teaching. Teaches patients and family members the necessity to continue recommended therapeutic procedures for proper health care. Provides specific health information based on patient's condition, e.g., acceptance of limited physical mobility, proper body mechanics, pre- and post-operative breathing techniques, etc. Refers inquires as appropriate to professional nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team. Work Schedule: 0600-1430,1400-2230,2200-0630\nCompressed/Flexible: Yes\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]