This incumbent practices as a Nursing Assistant (NA) in the Operative Care Division (OCD) Portland VA. The incumbent works directly with nursing staff, providers to coordinate patient flow throughout OCD by receiving and directing patients from check in to the surgery unit. The NA is accountable for Providing direct patient care as assigned within OCD to include: patient check in and vital sign measurement; assisting with ADL's including personal hygiene, physical comfort. Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. 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. c. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. d. 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 Grade Determinations: GS-3 (Entry Level) (a) Experience [and] Education . None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 [NAs] are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 (a) 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, (b) 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 (c) 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. (d) Assignment1. 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) (a) 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, (b) 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 G46 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This incumbent practices as a Nursing Assistant (NA) in the Operative Care Division (OCD). The incumbent works directly with nursing staff and providers to coordinate patient flow throughout OCD by receiving and directing patients from check in to the surgery unit. The NA is accountable for: - Providing direct patient care as assigned within OCD to include but not limited to: patient check in and vitalsign measurement; assisting with ADL's including personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination,prevention of skin breakdown, safety, positioning for procedures/surgery, transport and post recovery care. - Communicating with patients and families, identifying and responding appropriately to patient needs;addressing educational needs, increased anxiety, procedural knowledge deficits, and personal and privacyneeds.- Performing standardized treatment procedures as directed per medical staff including: clipping, ECGmonitoring, bladder scanning, and Accuchecks. - Obtaining, labeling and transporting time sensitive specimens to the lab.- Assisting surgical staff with the operation of equipment to include locating equipment, setting up equipment,and reporting malfunctioning equipment to ensure safety for patients and staff .- Collaborating with the OCD and interdisciplinary teams. - Communicating abnormalities or observed variances in hemodynamic or neurological status in order toimprove patient care outcomes. The incumbent appropriately responds to emergency situations such as: cardiopulmonary failure, hemorrhaging, and shock by assisting in the performance of resuscitation measures. The NA assists surgical staff in ordering, maintaining and stocking supplies for the units including specialized supplies. The NA communicates with surgical staff, sterile supply, and Supply Chain Management to identify and respond appropriately to supply concerns and needs. The incumbent is expected to float between the OCD units. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday TOD( Tour of Duty) hours variable per service needs Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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.
