Career Center

The Nursing Assistant (NA) is assigned to the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Services at the Long Beach VA Healthcare System. Several NA positions available for different units within the SCI service. Failing to submit any documentation that is required and listed under the "Required Documents" tab may result in loss of consideration. 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Education or Training. The candidate must have 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 Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistants appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA as of March 12, 2015 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-5 Experience: This is the full performance level for Nursing Assistants. Nursing Assistants 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. Nursing Assistants at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. 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). 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 Nursing Assistants 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 Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 2 hours); Pushing (2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 12 hours); Standing (up to 12 hours); Both legs required; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/40 and to 20/100 in the other. ["Welcome to VA Long Beach: Introductory Video Tibor Rubin - History: Background about the Veteran who VA Long Beach Medical Center is named after. The Nursing Assistant (NA) is a member of the Spinal Cord Injury Disorders Group (SCI/D HCG) and provides individualized, patient-centered care. Patient-centered care comprises of a holistic approach to rehabilitation and guides the SCID work practice, cm practices, environment of care, and leadership in daily nursing care. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Bathing patient/residents (bed bath, shower in commode chair, using Bathing without Battle techniques, etc.). Utilizes shower gurney as needed. Provides restorative care per therapy evaluation as ordered Creatively enhancing dining practices by providing assistance with meals. Toileting (bowel and bladder care) will include the use of bedpans, urinals, bedside commodes. The NA will assist licensed nurses in evaluating the effectiveness of the B&B retraining program by thorough reporting of bowel results. Monitors Foley/suprapubic catheter patency and signs of infection (such as the presence of sediments, bloody urine, etc.) and report to the nurses. Performs perineal care for incontinent residents and performing skin checks to identify early signs of skin breakdown, report to the licensed nurses, and document in the activities of daily living note on CPRS. Turns and repositions residents with skin breakdown every 2 hours and as needed Obtains, documents, and reports normal and abnormal vital sign information Assists patient/residents in grooming. This includes nail care, foot care, shaving, and dressing (upper and lower extremities). Provides oral hygiene and denture care. Reports any oral problems (such as mouth pain, bleeding gums) and other oral issues to the nurse right away. Transfers residents/Patients from the bed, chair, and wheelchair, using safe patient handling techniques and appropriate equipment (i.e., ceiling lifts, Hoyer lifts, etc.). Understands and agrees with Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder philosophy and goal to maintain, improve and/or enhance each resident's quality of care and quality of life. (age and diagnosis competency). Evaluates and documents the patient's/resident's progress as indicated by SOP and procedures. Observes all safety precautions as required in Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder SOP. Perform other duties and assignments as assigned by supervisor. Participate in in-services annually Work Schedule: 12 hours; Monday - Sunday; Day and Night Shifts. Work schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the organization. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results