Clarification from the agency

This job announcement is open to all US Citizens and Non-Citizens.

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Duties include but not limited to:

• The NA Escort is responsible for the transportation of specimens, patients, residents, equipment, and supplies such as wheelchairs, stretchers, beds, and oxygen tanks, etc. in the outpatient and inpatient care units.
• The NA Escort is responsible for the delivery of patient care and services under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Advance Practice Nurse or MD/DO.
• Transports patients who do not require a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to transport because of their acuity category.
• Escort NAs will assist the RN, physician, or other qualified medical personnel in the transport of acute patients.
• Escort NAs may assist Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nursing/medical staff with patient transport but will not transport this category of patient without the above staff.
• Escort NAs may provide assistance to psychiatric nursing or medical staff with patient transport. With specialized training, escort NAs may transport low acuity psychiatric patients without assistance, always remaining 1:1 with patient at all times.
• Provides for the care of patients/residents with dignity and continuous consideration of the individuals emotional needs.
• Provides reporting, communication, and documentation in the computerized patient record system with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team.
• Maintains certification, BCLS, and currency in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, the RICVAMC, VISN and National Agencies.
• The Escort NA demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, specialized training to transport patients and specimens, application of technical standards and performance of administrative support duties.

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 evaluation.
• 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

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 as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.
• English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

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).

GRADE DETERMINATIONS:

GS-5 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA):

(a) EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) 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. *Transcript Required*

AND

(c) 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 (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 5005/81, Part II, Appendix, G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard, dated 03/12/2015.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-05.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of this position include lifting, prolonged standing, frequent bending, and stooping, walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, reaching and repetitive motion. The ability to assist with transporting patients weighing more than 50lbs. Assist non-ambulatory patients in transferring from bed, stretcher, wheelchair, and back. The environment's pace can vary from steady to a sometimes-fast interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes-intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent, sometimes intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes noisy environment. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

Preferred Experience: Approximately 2-3 years of NA experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. Must be flexible, versatile, reliable, and a team player. Outstanding patient and customer service skills and bedside manner. Excellent communication skills. Practice safe lifting techniques, and assist patients in and out of beds, stretchers, and wheelchairs. Ability to work flexible tours to include weekends and holidays to accommodate patients/resident's needs. Proficient in spoken and written English language. Escort experience preferred but not required.

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.