Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public and employees of external agencies. If you are an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs you must apply to announcement CBTA-11503326-22-RY.

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• Observes the physical or emotional status of residents/patients and refers deviations and or problems to Charge Nurse/Primary RN in a timely manner
• Possesses the ability to redirect the patient, help with orientation of the patient, and provides ongoing observation of the patient and reports any changes in condition to the RN
• Complies with required documentation when providing one-to one and close observation
• Provides the proper hand-off communication to the appropriate staff (CNAs, licensed staff, etc.) when caring for our Veterans
• Records pertinent information within the medical record as authorized
• Communicates pertinent information to team members regarding observation and interactions with the patients/residents and or their significant other which may affect the plan of care
• Communicates problems with changes in diet order and patient dining location to Registered Nurse and Dietetic Service in a timely manner
• Assists with identifying patient who may be at nutritional risk secondary to reduced food consumption due to problems with food preferences, food consistency, etc; alerts RN and clinical dietitian diet technician of observation
• Recognizes and responds appropriately in situations requiring emergency measures, including potentially dangerous of hazardous situations
• Possesses the ability to consistently recognize a patient's unusual response to a nursing procedure and reports such response to the charge nurse in a timely manner
• Completes basic technical nursing procedures (in accordance with classroom instruction and correct clinical technical) for providing and monitoring direct patient care typical of the assigned unit
• Participates in therapeutic individual and group activities; observes for changes in mental and/or physical status; and demonstrates correct interventions to restore or maintain patient welfare and safety
• Properly uses equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as blood glucose monitoring machine, patient lift equipment, pulse oximetry, restraints application, set-up oxygen and suction equipment, operation of specialty beds and wheelchairs
• Escorts patients to and from appointments and/or other activities
• Transports specimens to the Lab
• Assists with transferring patients to and from bed, wheelchairs and stretchers utilizing appropriate body mechanics and assistive devices
• Actively participates and encourages patients to participate in group or one-on-one activities as a part of the plan for therapeutic recreation
• Provides for a therapeutic environment of care by maintaining a clean and organized patient care area which include labeling patient care items, strips and makes bed, assists with laundering of resident personal clothing, clean wheeled equipment
• Initiates appropriate procedures in emergency situations i.e. CPR and or clearing an obstructed airway
• Answers and responds to patient call bells, answers phones in the absence of the unit clerks
• Provides direct, one-to one observation of patients who are in danger of hurting themselves either intentionally or because of confused behavior
• Provides the proper hand-off communication to the appropriate staff (CNAs, licensed staff, etc.) when caring for our Veterans
• Performs assisted duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran
• Delivers and pick-up meal trays in a timely manner for both bedside and dining groom services, ensuring the accuracy of prescribed diets. Wipes off dining room tables after mealtime
• Communicates problems with changes in diet order and patient dining location to Registered Nurse and Dietetic Service in a timely manner
• Assists with identifying patient who may be at nutritional risk secondary to reduced food consumption due to problems with food preferences, food consistency, etc
• Delivers individualized nourishments to patient, nourishment kitchen, or designated area
• Consistently performs nursing support duties
• .Recognizes and responds appropriately in situations requiring emergency measures, including potentially dangerous of hazardous situations

Work Schedule: Day Shift/Rotating, Weekends and Holidays Required
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 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

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States.
• Education: Must have 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

Grade Determination:

GS-5 Nursing Assistant
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,

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

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

(a) 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.
(b) 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
(c) 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.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

References: VA Handbook 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46

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.

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.