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The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-05 is the full performance level. The NA has current State certification and shall have completed the required education and experience. The NA is responsible for providing direction nursing care to the patients assigned to her/him. This NA is responsible to and directly supervised by a professional nurse (LPN/RN).

Each NA will be familiar with the scope of practice for NAs of the state, territory or commonwealth in which she/he is certified; and under the supervision of a nurse will function within the scope of that practice and at her/his grade level according to VA Kansas City VAMC (KCVAMC) policies and procedures. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of Veterans. The distinguishing factor for this grade involved more complex nursing procedures which can vary within a range of requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.

The incumbent serves as a Nursing Assistant in the Surgery Departments Perioperative Services section.
Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluates the patients using appropriate nursing practice skills.
• Reports and documents changes in patient's conditions according to accepted Medical Center Policy.
• Alters planned interventions when indicated based on changes on patient' conditions.
• Maintains the appropriate skills for the care of the adult and geriatric population/patient.
• Applies National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG).
• Administers care according to established procedures and all Medical Center Policies.
• Exchanges patient information with co-workers and individuals from other disciplines involved in treatment of the assigned patients.

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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/10/2022.The NA supports the nursing staff/providers with care of patients. The individual plans and carries out patient assignments independently under general supervision of the RN, provider or Nurse Manager. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation measurements.
• Performs 12 lead EKG's
• Performs phlebotomy according to procedure in timely manner in accordance with hospital standards. Labels specimens according to hospital standards and using dual identifiers.
• Properly uses glucometer, vital signs equipment and EKG machine. Follows OSHA guidelines for proper handling of all specimens.
• Ensures patient safety by following appropriate safety measures/ and using correct equipment to prevent patient and /or employee injury, i.e.: overhead lifts, wheelchair lifts, hover mat during transfer of patients. Make rounds throughout the service area and addresses needs of the patient within nursing assistance scope of practice. Provides direct personal and hygienic to all categories of patients including those in strict isolation.
• Performs patient care procedures such as collection of specimens, applying simply dressings, catheter changes, EKG, splints.
• Maintains adequate stock of supplies. Works closely with TSS to ensure par level for supplies is adequate.
• Escorts patients to and from radiology, CT, inpatient units when patient is not on telemetry monitor.
• Performs other duties as assigned by RN, Team Leader and/or Nurse Manager.

• 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 Nursing Assistant 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.

GS-5 NA (Full Performance Level)
(a) 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,
(b) 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
(c) Demonstrated 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 CNAs 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 5005/71, Part II, Appendix G46, NURSING ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

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, pushing and reaching over head. 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. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements; such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Incumbent may be exposed, on a short-term basis to fumes, dust and other debris.

Other Factors: Lifting 50 pounds; repetitive motions, i.e. typing; perform CPR; ability to read - reading 70% of the time on computers.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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

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.