Clarification from the agency

Open to current/former Federal Employees, Veterans and U.S. Citizens.

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The Nursing Assistant provides a range of Outpatient, Residential, Inpatient, Urgent Care, Mental Health and/or Long Term care services. The incumbent may be required to turn and position Veterans to maintain proper body alignment, lift, ambulate, and transfer Veterans. He/she promotes the physical independence of the Veteran by encouraging and teaching individual Veterans and groups of Veterans in self-care activities, such as progressive steps in personal hygiene, bathing, and oral care. Also assists in teaching and encouraging other care activities such as eating, dressing, undressing, bladder, and other training as needed. He/she prepares Veterans for meals, feeds, and assists those requiring assistance. In addition, incumbent will take and record vital signs, weigh, perform neurological checks, and circulatory checks. The incumbent will lead by example in defining a customer service culture to ensure that all Veterans are treated with respect and civility.

Work Schedule:
Full-Time 12.5 hour day tour with rotation to the 12.5 hour day tours for coverage purposes. The candidate working this tour will be on duty six 12.5 hour day shift tours (e.g. 0700 to 1930) and one 8.0 or 8.5 hour tour (which can be either on the day, evening or night shift) during a pay period.
Full-Time 12.5 hour night tour with rotation to 12.5 hour day tour for coverage purposes. The candidate working this tour will be on duty six 12.5 hour night shift tours (e.g. 1900 to 0730) and one 8.0 or 8.5 hour tour (which can be either on the day, evening, or night shift) during a pay period.
Full-Time 12.5 hour off tour with rotation to 12.5 hour day tour for coverage purposes. The candidate working this tour will be on duty six 12.5 hour night shift tours (e.g. 1930 to 0800) and one 8.0 or 8.5 hour tour (which can be either on the day, evening, or night shift) during a pay period.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• 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

Qualifications

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 which resulted in attaining certification 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.

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.

GS-5 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 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:
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 verbally 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: Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621 Veterans Health Administration, VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. 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: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing, or speech may be required. However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant for appointment. The loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. The work of the Nursing Assistant requires long periods of walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); repeated bending (up to 8 hour); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, recurring heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); heavy carrying (45 lbs and over); reaching above shoulder, positioning and supporting of patients weighing in excess of 100 pounds. Applicants tentatively selected for positions involving direct patient care may be subject to a health evaluation prior to appointment; applicants who refuse may be denied employment with VA.

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.