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Nursing Assistant

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-1125278-22-LD.

The Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center position is located in the Nursing Service. NAs are 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.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
10/07/2021 to 09/30/2022
Salary
$32,570 to - $46,953 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 3 - 5
Locations
Little Rock, AR
1 vacancy
North Little Rock, AR
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
5
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBST-11259284-22-LD
Control number
616856500

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Duties

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  • The duties of the Nursing Assistant in Nursing Service include but are not limited to:
    • Assists patients/residents with activities of daily living, i.e., bathing, shaving, feeding, oral hygiene, ambulation, dressing, etc. Assists lower graded NA in the completion of these duties as well.
    • Assists Registered Nurses, therapists and others in the rehabilitation and or providing care for patients/residents. Assures the residents are prepared to engage in therapy as much as possible.
    • Ability to use clean and aseptic technique to perform various non-medicine treatments, i.e., wound cleansing, applying dressings, performing catheter care, and applying external catheters, performing perianal care and monitoring for early signs of breakdown- notify RN. etc.
    • Cares for patient/resident and prevents complications of limited mobility or immobilization by turning, maintaining proper body alignment, range of motion exercises, assists with deep breathing and cough.
    • Encourages and provides adequate nutrition and hydration within ordered diet. Assists with observation and monitoring of enteral feeding and/or gastro tube and notifies RNs of concerns or issues. Accurately monitors intake and output and daily weights as ordered.
    • Monitors intravenous fluids by informing the nurse of the need to add fluids, any alarm and any patient/resident concerns. Monitors for pain, leakage, swelling or redness at site and notifies nurse immediately.
    • Is a leader in activities that promote safety for the Veteran and others in the work area, including, but not limited to, performing monitoring of the patient safety monitoring system after completion of orientation and completion of competency demonstration. Assists with safety monitors such as hand hygiene, safety support or others.
    • Performs other duties as assigned for the position. Precepts and trains new and lower graded staff in functions of nurse assistant.

Work Schedule: Various 8 hour tours with rotating weekends based on service needs
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Nursing Assistant/PD00000, PD000000, PD00009F, PD00008F, PD00007F, PD00216F, and PD00051F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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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
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Qualifications

This is an Open Continuous Announcement to fill multiple vacancies in various Services within CAVHS. A qualification review will be conducted every 2 weeks and qualified candidates will be referred to the Services upon their need for recruitment.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE, OR YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ELECTRONIC NOTICE THAT YOU ARE RATED INELIGIBLE. SEE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION FOR DETAILS. KSAs MUST BE DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR RESUME. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT AND REFER BACK TO IT OFTEN WHEN WRITING YOUR RESUME.

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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
  • Education/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.
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).

Preferred Experience:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is desired. If selected for this position, per VHA Directive 1177, you must possess current BCLS certification as you will provide direct clinical care to patients in this position.
  • Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of computer systems and standard software programs.
  • Demonstrates skills in managing complex systems, with advanced organizational skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) regulations/policies/procedures, current Joint Commission (JC) Standards, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and other current internal and external accrediting body standards.
  • Demonstrates a pleasant and respectful disposition.
  • Demonstrates the ability to respond in a positive manner with Mental Health and Behavioral Science Veterans
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level)
Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.

GS-4 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:
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.

Nursing Assistant, GS-05
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. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following 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 NAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting.
3. 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 Appendix G46

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-3 to GS-5.

Physical Requirements: The work occurs within a typical hospital setting and will work closely with others. The position will require irregular schedules. The physical demands involve moderate to heavy lifting (15 - 45 lbs and above), moderate carrying (15-44 lbs), pushing (1 hr), reaching above shoulder and walking/standing (8 hrs). Will also need to meet the following: depth perception, near vision (with or without correction), far vision 20/20 (one eye) and 20/40 (in other eye) with or without correction, hearing (with or without aid) and other areas as required. Environmental factors include hands in water, working closely with others and irregular schedules. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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