There are multiple vacancies at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Units include: Float Pool and Community Living Center- Geriatrics and Extended Care. Recruitment incentive may be eligible for highly qualified candidates. 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: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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 Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: At least one year nursing assistant experience. Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience and Education: 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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-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. 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is 05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 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. The NA must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019 ["The Nursing Assistant performs nursing procedures and duties on an assigned patient area and has special responsibilities with his/her patients, using an interdisciplinary team nursing approach in providing holistic care. The NA observes, reports, and documents changes in patients' conditions. In addition, charting on each patient's medical record is done regularly according to set nursing and unit standards of care. The NA assists with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the delivery of specialized nursing care and emergency care of patients as needed. He/she uses therapeutic communication to intervene with psychiatric, geriatric, and/or medical patients. The NA shows concern for the safety, where abouts and welfare of all patients on the assigned unit. Follow-through by the NA on the assigned patients' treatment plans is necessary for continuity of care. The NA Float for PCS is expected to work in various locations in the hospital which will include, Acute Mental Health, Mental Health Rehabilitation programs, Community Living Center, and other area locations as assigned. The Nursing Assistant; Provides direct patient care to complex Veterans as assigned including all aspects of personal care and grooming. Assists the RN, LPN, and other members of the interdisciplinary team with providing input in the development of the care plan, based on the Veteran's care needs. Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the Veteran and monitoring the Veteran's condition. Makes observations of changes in patient's condition, i.e., escalating behaviors, mood, skin integrity, vital signs, appetite, skin coloration, bowel and bladder control, hydration, etc. and reports to charge nurse. Performs procedures and complex medical nursing care treatments under the direction and supervision of the RN according to policies and standard procedures to care for the Veteran for such procedures but not limited to: skin care including massage and dressings, application of braces, splints and prosthetic devices, monitoring of intake and output, bathing and showering, insertion of indwelling catheters, bladder scanning, 12 lead EKGs, Sterile tracheostomy suctioning, administration of oxygen via cannula, specimen collection. Promotes Veteran participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence. Participates in maintaining a clean and safe environment Removes defective equipment and reports safety hazards immediately Utilizes lift equipment appropriately and safely to promote patient transfers; uses proper body mechanics. Maintains aseptic technique when performing specified procedures. Promotes the values of cultural transformation and Veteran-centered care to nursing staff in CLC. Actively seeks Veteran preferences in care plan participation and goal development. Offers suggestions to improve the Veteran's Activities of Daily Living (ADL) functions and quality of life. This would include suggestions for restorative or rehabilitative care. Supports and enhances Veteran self-determination; treats the Veteran with dignity and respect. Consistently follows policies, SOPS, and procedures applicable to reusable medical equipment (RME) and infection control. Reports required information for hand-off communication to charge nurse and co-workers, including to other members of the interdisciplinary team and other applicable staff and departments, and completes the necessary documentation for these duties. Communicates effectively with others involved in the Veteran's care. Under the direction of the RN, the NA educates Veterans on their care needs as appropriate to NA skill level. Communicates professionally and courteously with families and significant others, as appropriate. Completes all assigned routine documentation in CPRS, Care Tracker, and other areas as required. Monitors Veterans for risk behaviors including, but not limited to, elopement, wandering, suicide, fall, behavior, and skin conditions; taking action, when indicated, to include: communicating to appropriate personnel when further intervention is needed and completing necessary documentation. Work Schedule: Multiple shifts are available. Includes Rotating weekends and holidays. Compressed tours may be available. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
