ASHHRA Career Center

Nursing Assistants are members of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, subacute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care.Community Living Center (CLC) 91AN is a long stay rehabilitation unit focusing on geriatric and behavioral psychiatric care of Veterans. The goal is to assist Veterans to reach their highest level of function after receiving excellent nursing care and therapy as needed in a home-like environment. 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. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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. 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. Nursing Assistant, GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-03 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. Nursing Assistant, GS-04 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. Nursing Assistant, GS-05 (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 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. 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: Basic Life Saving (BLS) CNA Certification One year nursing assistant experience in a long term care setting. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81, PART II, APPENDIX G46, APPENDIX G46. NURSING ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-621. 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: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Pushing, reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); emotional stability. The population of male and female veterans served ranges from 18 and above, to the elderly adult. There is a large outpatient psychiatric population, with visits to the Emergency Department and admissions for medical co-morbidities. 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. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 22, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 17, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-3 is the entry level nursing position; the candidate will be provided opportunities to develop basic nursing skills in order to provide care to patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions in a health care setting. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NA's are considered to be at the entry and are monitored and closely supervised. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NA's, or other healthcare professionals. The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-4 is the entry level nursing position; the candidate will be provided opportunities to develop basic nursing skills in order to provide care to patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions in a health care setting. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NA's are at the entry and are monitored and closely supervised. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NA's, or other healthcare professionals. Nursing Assistants at the GS-5 grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, subacute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. 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. NA's at this level also assume a high peer education/mentorship role. CLINICAL PRACTICE All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. The NA is technical in performing, reporting, and recording assigned nursing care, including, but not limited to: Providing a range of resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of residents. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures including, but not limited to bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, and specimen collection. Assisting with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. COMMUNICATION Demonstrating 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. Providing verbal and/or written information in a timely manner that is accurate, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand. Making 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. COLLABORATION/COLLEGIALITY Demonstrating basic communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers. Practicing good customer service in all work activities. Displaying courtesy, empathy, tact, and respect for patients, families/significant others, and hospital staff. Remaining calm in stressful situations. Promoting personal and professional integrity in the workplace. PROGRAM/ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS Supporting the mission, vision, and values of the Healthcare system. Completing annual nursing mandatory reviews and continuous learning requirements. Demonstrating understanding for age- and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Work Schedule: Evening shift, 3:30pm - Midnight as unit needs require to include nights, holidays, and weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: A recruitment incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified individual. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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