Nursing Assistant

Summary The Nursing Assistant (NA) is accountable for adhering to established policies, procedures, standards of care and standards of practice and for maintaining competencies consistence with role and responsibilities. The NA performs complex age specific nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with a variety of physical, mental, behavioral or psychological needs. The NA continues to provide care under supervision of clinical providers. Responsibilities The Nursing Assistant (NA) is accountable for adhering to established policies, procedures, standards of care and standards of practice and for maintaining competencies consistence with role and responsibilities. The NA performs complex age specific nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with a variety of physical, mental, behavioral or psychological needs. The NA continues to provide care under supervision of clinical providers. The Nursing Assistant (NA) may perform these duties in the inpatient (1 West / MHRRTP) setting and will care for Veterans with acute to chronic behavioral health conditions. All duties performed will be completed under RN supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. Assigned Duties / Functions : Nursing Assistant (NA) will utilize vital signs monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate vital signs reading for the assigned Veteran. Nursing Assistant (NA) will utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned Veteran. Nursing Assistant (NA) will utilize the 12 LEAD EKG machine to collect and document appropriate 12 LEADs for the assigned Veteran. Maintains positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and / or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Nursing Assistant (NA), utilizes observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording Veteran observations to appropriate Staff RNs, Licensed Independent Practitioners (LIPs), or other clinicians. Performs aspects of nursing care to meet Veteran's needs for the following : a. Monitoring Veterans for safety (one to one observation) as assigned. b. Transportation of Veterans to other needed care in other departments. c. Completion behavioral health of clinical reminders as assigned. d. Completion environment of care safety rounds as assigned. e. Performs intentional rounding as assigned. Nursing Assistant (NA) utilizes principles of proper body mechanics while caring for Veterans. Reports Veteran observations to the RN and or other members of the treatment team. Is trained to set up Veteran care related equipment. Organizes and obtains routine supplies and equipment. Assist with orienting patient / family to department routines and policies. Work as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team. - Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature. Uses proper behavioral health safety practices. Performs other duties as assigned given proper training. Utilizes equipment and supplies according to procedures. Utilizes principles of proper body mechanics and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury to self or others in all settings such as utilization of lifting equipment. Work Schedule : Nigh schedule compressed Work Schedule : Days off varies based on Mental Health Team schedule. Telework : Not Authorized Virtual : This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement # : 000000 Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background / security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements Education or training Training : (1) Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR, (2) One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR, (3) Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. 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). Creditable Experience 1. Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. 2. Quality of Experience. To be creditable, Nurse Assistant experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Grade Determinations : GS-3 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 NA Experience. One year of specialized experience as a Nurse Assistant 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. 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. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients / residents, their families and other health professionals. 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. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients / residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 NA (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. And Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 1. 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. 2.. Ability to communicate orally with patients / residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new Nurse Assistants by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing / assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. iii 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. 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). 1. 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. 2.. Ability to communicate orally with patients / residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new Nurse Assistants by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing / assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. iii 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 : 05 Reference : For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 5. Physical Requirements : Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted. Education IMPORTANT : A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note : Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here : If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit : Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave : Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration / Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA / OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.