This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis & qualified candidates are considered at regular intervals as additional vacancies occur or as-needed until positions are filled. Applications will remain on file until Sep 29, 2023.
This is an EXTERNAL job announcement open to the public.
Current, permanent Veterans Health Administration employees SHOULD apply to INTERNAL job announcement number CBSU-12076163-23-JMW for this position.
Nursing Assistant duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Performs & fulfills a variety of nursing care tasks in support of safe & effective patient care w/ appropriate training levels
All tasks, assignments & activities is under a RN's direction, guidance & supervision
Adheres to VA and Nursing policies, procedures, & standards
Contributes to safe, clean & therapeutic environment for patients/staff by maintaining clean equipment, patient's rooms & ward areas
Cares for patients w/ communicable diseases that may require various isolation precautions
Must don appropriate PPE based on type of isolation precaution
Follows infection control/hand washing policies
Complies w/ safety/fire policies/rules/practices
Reports all accidents/unsafe/unhealthy environmental situations/conditions
Corrects/reports/removes broken equipment out of service immediately/tags it/submits repair ticket through Maximo
Uses sterile techniques w/ techniques w/ treatments & simple dressings that don't require packing, irrigation, debridement, or medications. Wrap stumps, irrigates, & stabilizes ostomies, changes ostomy appliances & performs bowel/bladder trainings per treatment plan
Observes PIV/CVC for redness, swelling, or pain & reports finding to RN
Provides urinary/catheter care to include perineal hygiene & applying external catheters
Assists w/ patient rehabilitation & preventing deformities by correcting position & assisting w/ Activities of Daily Living, ADLs, including ambulation
Performs ambulation & range of motion activities
Measures & records vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure & measuring height & weight, monitors patient's O2 use/compliance
Measures & records intake & output, (performs bladder scans, EKGs, collects urine, sputum, MRSA or stool specimens, oral suctioning per RN)
Recognizes overt abnormal signs & symptoms &/or changes in patients' condition & responds appropriately. Self-directed in seeking out RN, Lead Nurse, or Charge Nurse to report patient-related information
Observes/reports patient complaints, results of treatment performed, change in patient's condition, behavior &/or attitude
Observes/reports patient complaints, all changes in patient's physical condition &/or emotional status, e.g. post-operative shock signs, hemorrhage, cyanosis, respiratory, distress, mucous aspiration, IV infiltration, acute behavior changes or unusual behavior
Utilizes Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and Clinicomp/Essentris per policy
Documentation is consistent, accurate, concise & timely
Applies safety devices as directed to include soft ankle & wrist restraints, Twice-as-Tough Restraints & padded side rails. Reports abusive, aggressive threatening behaviors & documents actions via Disruptive Behavior Reporting System (DBRS)
Initiates Code Yellow at RN's direction, initiates CPR or activates Code Blue according to medical center policy for patients found unresponsive &/or not breathing
Adheres to Safe Patient Handling practices for safe body mechanics/use of mechanical devices
Requests assistance from other staff when moving/lifting/turning as needed patients to prevent injury to patient/self/others
Assists w/ patients' admissions/discharges/transfers
Accurately documents/secures personal belongings, e.g. valuables, dentures, hearing aids, eyes & limbs
Participates in patient care conferences/helps create nursing care plans,
Participates educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in a self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior that promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer customer service and demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results
Identifies problem areas by practicing evidence-based practices on unit
Perform other duties as assigned
Work Schedule:6am-6:30pm. Rotating 12 hour day and night shifts. Shift work includes weekends and holidays depending on the needs on the service. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-3-52618-O, GS-4-52619-O, GS-5-52620-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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:
U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English
Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant, (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.
Grade Determinations:
GS-3
Experience and Education
None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-4
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;
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
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.
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 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.
Preferred Experience: Experience working with dementia residents or experience working with residents in a long-term care facility.
References: VA Handbook 5005/81 PART II APPENDIX G46.
The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-3 to a GS-5.
Physical Requirements:
Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over,
Heavy Carrying 45 pounds and over,
Straight pulling,
Constant pushing, pulling, walking, standing, carrying, bending, and reaching
Frequent kneeling, climbing, and twisting, and reaching above shoulder,
Requires se of fingers, and both hands.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts must include your name, the school's entire name, can be unofficial transcripts, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, (if applicable), (name of degree received, (if applicable).
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. 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.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. 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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU USE THE FEDERAL RESUME BUILDER ON USA JOBS AS IT PROMPTS YOU TO ADD REQUIRED INFOMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINATION ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. CV or Resume: Resume must include how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the employer's/company's AND supervisor's name and phone number, job title, detailed description of job duties,beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. (Required to upload copy of document).
2. SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action (Current and former federal employees) must submit your latest SF-50 showing your current grade, step and salary. (NOTE: Award SF-50 are normally not acceptable due to the grade step and salary missing.) (Required to be uploaded, and must be submitted if current or former employee).
3. Copy of Transcripts - Can be official or unofficial. (Required to be uploaded, can be unofficial transcripts, but transcripts must include the following information: your name, the school's entire name, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, & name of degree received). (Required to be uploaded, and must be submitted if using education to qualify for position).
4. Copy of Certified Nursing Assistant License, even if expired. (Required to be uploaded if using it to qualify for position).
5. Copy of current Basic Life Support card, BLS, (Request card be uploaded with application materials).
6. VA Form 10-2850C VA Form 10-2850c an be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.(Not required to upload document but if selected will be required to complete it.) PAGE 3 AND 4 REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED. PLEASE FILL OUT ALL BOXES, AND ENTRIES, IF DOESN'T APPY, ENTER "N/A".
7. Optional cover letter (Not required, but desired).
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
Please upload a copy of your Certificate of Certified Nursing Assistant License if you are using it to qualify
Please upload a copy of your Basic Life Support, BLS certificate if you are currently or have been previously certified.
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on 04/29/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12076164.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU USE THE FEDERAL RESUME BUILDER ON USA JOBS AS IT PROMPTS YOU TO ADD REQUIRED INFOMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINATION ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. CV or Resume: Resume must include how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the employer's/company's AND supervisor's name and phone number, job title, detailed description of job duties,beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. (Required to upload copy of document).
2. SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action (Current and former federal employees) must submit your latest SF-50 showing your current grade, step and salary. (NOTE: Award SF-50 are normally not acceptable due to the grade step and salary missing.) (Required to be uploaded, and must be submitted if current or former employee).
3. Copy of Transcripts - Can be official or unofficial. (Required to be uploaded, can be unofficial transcripts, but transcripts must include the following information: your name, the school's entire name, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, & name of degree received). (Required to be uploaded, and must be submitted if using education to qualify for position).
4. Copy of Certified Nursing Assistant License, even if expired. (Required to be uploaded if using it to qualify for position).
5. Copy of current Basic Life Support card, BLS, (Request card be uploaded with application materials).
6. VA Form 10-2850C VA Form 10-2850c an be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.(Not required to upload document but if selected will be required to complete it.) PAGE 3 AND 4 REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED. PLEASE FILL OUT ALL BOXES, AND ENTRIES, IF DOESN'T APPY, ENTER "N/A".
7. Optional cover letter (Not required, but desired).
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
Please upload a copy of your Certificate of Certified Nursing Assistant License if you are using it to qualify
Please upload a copy of your Basic Life Support, BLS certificate if you are currently or have been previously certified.
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on 04/29/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12076164.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
