The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Columbia VA Health Care System, in Columbia, SC. The Nursing Assistant is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and performs assignments as a Nursing Assistant in the CLC Units. 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 pre-employment physical exam. 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 Education & Experience: 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 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. 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) In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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, Nursing Assistant Qualifications Standard 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 pounds and over; Straight pulling (4 hours); Pulling hand over hand (4 hrs); Pushing (4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (8 hour); Standing (8 hours); Repeated bending (4 hours); Both legs required *one leg or foot may be Compensated by prosthesis; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Hearing without aid; Emotional stability under stress; Ability to read with one eye and ability to read typewritten material, glasses permitted. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 12/06/2022, with subsequent cut-off dates every Monday. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until position(s) are filled. Duties include, but are not limited to: Measure vital signs. Record treatments findings, and progress in electronic patient record. Perform and record a variety of advanced specialized treatments. Uses personal protection equipment (PPE) Maintains patient confidentiality Accepts and carries out instructions from supervisor. Enter information into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Teach patients and the family members the need to continue procedures for proper health care. Exercise careful work habits and caution to assure a safe environment for patients. Promotes the physical independence of the patients Cleans reusable medical equipment on the unit and maintains a neat and orderly patient care environment Performs other duties as assigned by management Work Schedule: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm, 11:00 pm - 7:30 am or 7:00 am - 7:30 pm, 7:00 pm - 7:30 am (subject to change based on agency needs). Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
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.
