Career Center

The Nursing Assistant is a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff (Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)/ Registered Nurse (RN)) in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. This vacancy will remain open until filled. Additional applications will be referred as needed. (NOTE: Applications expire after 90 days. Please update application thru USAJobs if you wish to be reconsidered.) To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/29/2023. 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 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. Physical Requirements. Please see physical requirements listed below. English Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistants [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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) (a) Experience [and] Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 Nursing Assistants are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Nursing Assistant (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) 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 Nursing Assistant (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 Part II Appendix G46 Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard dated March 12, 2015. 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: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light Lifting (under 15 pounds); Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Light Carrying (under 15 pounds); Reaching above shoulder; Walking (up to 8 hours); Standing (up to 8 hours); Kneeling (up to 1 hour); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Emotional and Mental Stability; Hearing (aid permitted). ["*** Bargaining Position *** Independently provide basic and complex care to patients/residents with consideration for psychosocial, cultural, and age specific needs, as well as assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), (e.g. assist with eating, personal hygiene, shaving, assisting with travel to and from the bathroom, etc.). Maintains patient/resident stability, (e.g. checking vital signs & weight). Provides patients/residents comfort by utilizing available resources and materials; transports patients/residents, answers patient/residents' call lights and requests in a timely manner; reports patient/resident observations to the LVN/LPN, RN and/or Provider. Documents actions using Computerized Patients/residents Record System (CPRS) and other electronic software/devices and completes required forms, reports, logs, and records. Properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures when available including, but not limited to, vital signs machine, blood glucose monitoring, and specimen collection (e.g. urine/nasal swabs). Assists with procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, position inpatient/resident, ensuring comfort and privacy. Observes patient/residents' physical or emotional status and reports deviations and/or problems to Charge Nurse (LVN/LPN/ care independently RN) immediately. Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties. Performs light housekeeping to include sweeping, mopping, dusting, dish washing and other light housekeeping duties as assigned to maintain cleanliness and Infection Control Standards of the Cottage and Patient area. Work Schedule: Rotational 12 hour shifts (3) and 8 hour shifts (1) per week, including nights, weekends, and Holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Preferred Experience: One year experience as a nurse aide in a hospital, nursing home, home health agency, hospice, or skilled nursing facility Completion of Certified Nurse Aide Program BLS certified, Adept at handling difficult or traumatic situations with complete courtesy and professionalism One-year experience in oral communication and documentation in a health care related field, requiring good reading, writing, math and computer skills"]

Return to Search Results