The Emergency Room Nursing Assistant is responsible for observing, recording and reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan for life. The Nursing Assistant requires a general review of their work by an RN for appropriateness and conformity with certification, policies and procedures. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/07/2023. 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 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. Physical Requirements. Please see physical requirements listed below. 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: 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) (a) Experience [and] Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 Nursing Assistants are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Nursing Assistant (a) 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, (b) 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 (c) 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. (d) Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant (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 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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46 Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard dated March 12, 2015. 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: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (3 hours); pushing (3 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (8 hours); standing (3.5 hours); kneeling (0.5 hour); repeated bending (1 hour); depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted). ["*** Bargaining Position *** Position is located in the Emergency Room. Duties include: Obtain vital signs, documents in CPRS and reports deviations to appropriate RN. Obtains Intake and Outputs appropriately (oral intake, IV pump, feeding pump, Foley catheter, urinal, drains, etc.) and reports shift totals/deviations to RN. Gathers information about patient condition and communicates to RN to develop specific plan of care for patient. Recognizes subtle changes in the patient's condition, behavior and/or comfort. Reports observations and interventions to RN. Provides environmental safety, security, infection control and patient privacy. Demonstrates ability to plan and organize assignment independently. Performs and documents Q2 hour rounding/turning. Verbalizes and demonstrates process for obtaining lab specimens, proper labeling and immediate transport. Recognizes and responds to impaired airway-notifying RN. Provides oxygen as ordered or as RN instructs-using the appropriate equipment. Provides care for & management of patient with chest tubes. Performs 12-Lead ECG with correct lead placement. Verbalizes and demonstrates the process for retrieval and placement of the telemetry unit. Obtains urine output (i.e., bladder scan, I&O documentation, etc.) and reports finding to appropriate RN. Provides Foley catheter care each shift, daily or as needed. Verbalizes process in notifying RN regarding changes in patient skin status. Verbalizes rationale when performing Q2 hour rounding/turning requirements. Demonstrates proper hand hygiene prior to and immediately following patient care/contact. Work Schedule: Rotating weekends; Rotating holidays; Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. every other Thursday; schedule may change based on the needs of the unit. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Preferred Experience: Certification preferred 1 - 2 years CNA experience Acute care experience Hands-on experience at bedside/patient care"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
