The primary purpose of this position is to perform a wide range of patient care, diagnostic services, treatment, monitoring activities of daily living and charting for the unit. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to encourage patient efforts towards goals for recovery and maintains a safe and therapeutic environment while promoting a sense of worth and dignity for the patient. 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: 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. [NAs] 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: Nursing Assistant, GS-3 Experience and Education . None beyond the basic requirements. Nursing Assistant, 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; AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 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. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. Nursing Assistant, 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KS As in subparagraph ( c) below; 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 KSA's. 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. 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. 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: One year of experience in health care with basic understanding of: patient care as it applies broadly, interpersonal skills, and charting in an electronic health record. Ability to care for patients designated to one on one observation requiring charting every 15 minutes. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, vital sign machine, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46 The full performance level of this vacancy is 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 5. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves considerable standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and turning. It requires repositioning patients and assisting with transferring patients to wheelchairs/stretchers. Mechanical devices when available are required to be used for heavy or difficult to lift patients. The work may involve pushing or lifting weight in excess of 50 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs. The position requires visual and auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective nursing care. The positions requires the nurse to work for periods of time with arms above shoulder level or with the neck in a fully flexed or extended position and the ability to physically control or protect him/herself from physically abusive patients. ["Operates Equipment and Determines Technical Factors Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment, instruments and monitors. Assists patients with setting up oxygen. Uses equipment properly. Uses phones, patient lift equipment, and camera monitoring system/call system/panic alarm system. Reports equipment malfunction to senior staff and puts in a work order when appropriate. Recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the RN. Maintain administrative and clinical files. Orders and maintains supplies for the unit. Properly stores and/or cleans equipment when testing is completed or patient is discharged. Maintains a Safe Environment/Receives/Directs Patients Maintains a therapeutic and safe ward milieu by identifying, reporting and eliminating potential hazards. Completes unit rounds and patient safety checks. Completes hazardous items checks of unit, patients, and their belongings. Performs one-to-one observations of patients. Conducts monitoring of unit and patients. Identifies patient at risk for suicide/self-harm, falls, disruptive behavior etc. Places patients in seclusion and/or restraints as directed, to ensure the safety of patient and/or staff. Takes emergency actions in all situations. Assists with Patient Care Activities Assists physicians and nurses in the care and treatment of clients receiving medical care. Observes, documents, and reports to the professional nurse changes in patient behavior, attitude, physical complaints, appearance, vital signs and/or changes in the patients' condition that may be related to medications, sensory distortions or medical conditions. Reports reactions to/responses to treatment. Performs direct patient support work including personal patient care. Delivers meals and /or snacks to patients and assists as needed. Encourages independence in patients by instructing, guiding and assisting patients. Accompanies/escorts patients on activities and to appointments, treatments etc. Performs Diagnostic Tests and Procedures Performs a range of diagnostic support duties such as taking, recording and reporting to RN deviations in vital signs/withdrawal symptoms, collecting and labeling specimens for the laboratory. Makes gross visual observations and identifies subtle changes regarding patients' condition. Performs standard diagnostic tests or procedures. Assists patients with adjusting simple supportive equipment. Assists the professional nurse and medical staff with specialized procedures: biopsy, lumbar puncture, electroconvulsive therapy etc. Performs more extensive, complex procedures, ex: dressing changes, insertion of foley catheter. Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from medical or health care personnel. Teaches Patients Proper Health Care Practices Demonstrates acceptable behavior as a role model for patient behavior. Encourages patient and family to actively participate in the individualized treatment plan. Encourages positive patient family relationships. Teaches patients and family members the necessity of continuing proper health care. Provides specific health information based on the patients' condition. Gives patient and family after-care instructions. Conducts patient meetings and groups. Utilizes a variety of treatment approaches to promote recovery on a one-to-one and group interaction level. Follows designated charting techniques to post patient charts that provide an outline or summary of patients' care. Documents pertinent information on patient status. Maintains patient and clinical records from admission to discharge. Provides personal patient care, and educating patients on pre-testing and post procedure activities. Documents patients' physical and emotional status and response to nursing interventions, using the problem oriented medical record format. Secures Patients' Confidence/Cooperation Secures patient confidence and cooperation during hospital stay, including explaining procedures and guidelines. Maintains therapeutic boundaries. Promotes a sense of ego integrity, self-worth and dignity by acknowledging patients' acceptable behavior and progress toward recovery. Clerical/Administrative Support Coordination Requirement Maintains patient records/charts. Updates unit forms and/or worksheets. Orders and maintains supplies for the unit. Assists in orienting personnel to the clinical area including proper clinical procedures. Answers telephone and directs call to the appropriate person/area. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Varying schedules including rotating days, nights, weekends, holidays. Compressed/Flexible: Yes Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53340-O, 53341-O, 53342-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
