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What does a Float Pool Nursing Assistant do? They are a very unique position! They receive their assignment at the beginning of each shift. You could be assigned to any of the areas of the hospital. A day in the life of a Float Pool NA is very diverse and exciting! Are you a NA who isn't quite sure what specialty you want to build your career in? Float Pool would be perfect for you! You will never get bored and you can figure out which areas you prefer and excel in! Come find yourself at VA! 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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/19/2023. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens 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. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education Physical Requirements: All applicants must meet physical requirements for this position. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. Creditable Experience: Knowledge of Current Practice: To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of Experience: To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-Time Experience: Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Grade Determinations: GS-3 (Entry Level) 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: 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. 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 (IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education); AND Demonstrated 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, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 3 - GS 5. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 ["This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Please see list of duties for this position below. Float pool NAs function within all Northport VAMC nursing units; may be assigned to work in the CLC's caring for long term care residents with multiple co-morbidities, on inpatient psychiatric units serving patients dealing with acute or chronic psychiatric illnesses, on med/surg/tele units providing care to acutely ill Veterans, or in an intensive care setting (ED/ICU). Must demonstrate high reliability & flexibility; assignments may change during a shift to meet patient care needs. Will be assigned to patients requiring care in all areas where nursing is provided. Performs preventive, rehabilitative, restorative nursing procedures: e.g., active and/or passive range of motion (ROM) to assist and motivate the patient to achieve maximum independence in activities of daily living. Performs patient care treatments such as simple dressing not requiring medications (e.g. protective dressing on ankles, heels, elbows, etc.) Applies external urinary drainage systems (male/female); maintains indwelling urinary catheters, maintains the gravity drainage system, and observes for patency, provides catheter care according to procedures/standards. Promptly reports changes in the patient's behavior and or physical condition such as hemorrhaging, respiratory distress, and records nursing assistant interventions performed in the \"Progress Notes\" which are part of the patient's clinical record. Collects patient information for nursing history. Orients patients to unit; assisting in formulating Nursing Care Plans based on information obtained while giving personal patient care; observes and records patient's physical and emotional condition, care given , and patient's response. Attends to patients activities of daily living by assisting the patient to attain maximal independence and self-care in bathing, grooming, and feeding; performs rehabilitative nursing procedures such as transfer, ambulation, range of motion, and assists with activities such as bowel and bladder training. Utilizes proper body mechanics and operates all equipment safely and in accordance with Safe Patient Handling procedures and training. Recognizes and protects patient's right to safety, privacy, and self-determination. Work Schedule: Many shifts available. Compressed/Flexible: Not available. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Nursing Assistant - Float Pool/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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