The Central Texas Health Care System is recruiting for a highly qualified Nursing Assistant for our Nursing Service located in Temple, Texas. 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-03. Physical Requirements. 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. Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. 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-03, Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04, Nursing Assistant 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-05, Nursing Assistant (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. 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 [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. Preferred Experience: BLS Experience working in a team-based environment Minimum of 1 year experience as Nursing Assistant References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards, GS-0621. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["A Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. CTVHCS is in the process of making a cultural change, shifting from a disease-focused approach to a health and wellbeing approach, in order to implement the Whole Health System of Care. This is a VA-wide initiative to provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to improve healthcare delivery at all stages of Veteran care. This entails moving from an episodic, \"siloed\" approach to an interdisciplinary, holistic approach, emphasizing self-care in the larger context of well-being. All staff in this facility will be part of this process, shifting the focus from the question, \"What's the matter with you?\" to the question, \"What matters to you, and how can we help you live your best life?\" This strategy also involves integrating a full range of conventional approaches with Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) approaches in order to optimize lifelong health and well-being, as defined by the Veteran, rather than narrowly focusing on disease management. Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: The NA is learning to perform basic nursing duties under close supervision in a variety of health care settings such as outpatient, inpatient, home or community living care, acute, sub-acute. The NA will care for patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions. CLC 11A/11B units are short stay rehabilitation, hospice, and dementia care units focusing on assisting Veterans to return home with their highest level of function. CLINICAL PRACTICE: All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. Utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned veteran. Utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. The RNA is technical in performing, reporting, and recording assigned nursing care, including, but not limited to: Administers oxygen therapy Provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures. Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Data collection and documentation intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing note. Based on the patient's goals, reinforces patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention, and wellness. Observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. Measures, records vital signs and enters them in CPRS. Reports all significant deviations immediately. Identifies urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance, and intervenes as directed when appropriate. COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates basic skill in identifying the individual's level of understanding and teaching the client and/or significant other about the basic concepts to his/her disease process, utilizing the standards of care and documenting client's response. Provides verbal and/or written information in a timely manner that is accurate, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand. Makes observations and documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. Basic knowledge in the use of various computer packages to enter and retrieve electronic data, i.e., CPRS, VISTA, mailman, leave requests, and patient information (progress notes, patient education, etc.). COLLABORATION/COLLEGIALITY: Demonstrates basic communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers. Practices good customer service in all work activities. Displays courtesy, empathy, tact, and respect for patients, families/significant others, and hospital staff. Remains calm in stressful situations. Promotes personal and professional integrity in the workplace. Demonstrates professional behavior and interpersonal skills with others in planning and giving patient care. Positive verbal and written communication skills. Positive interpersonal relationships. Work Schedule: Rotating Nights/Weekends/Holidays: 0730-1600, 0730-2000, 1130-2000, 1530-2400, 1130-2400, 2330-0800, 1930-0800 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.
