This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. (Must provide transcripts and/or certificate) 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 3. 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-3 (Entry Level): None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. 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. (Must provide transcripts) AND In addition to the above experience/education, 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. GS-5 (Full Performance Level): 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. (Must provide transcripts) AND In addition to the above experience/education, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, 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: This work requires heavy lifting (45lbs) or over, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted) visual acuity 20/30 corrected, mental and emotional stability. Environmental factors include working with hands in water and working closely with others. ["The Nursing Assistant provides clinical support for the adult and geriatric Veteran under the direction of the RN and LPN. NA at the Community Living Center practices and adheres to a high level of respect and knowledge of Veteran rights to protect the vulnerable and frail Veterans. Maintains their education and knowledge of abuse, and other care practices specific to the debilitated and geriatric Veterans. Practice includes all activities of daily living, and general nursing duties and tasks to help the team restore the Veteran to the highest level of independence or be remaining comfortable toward the end of life. Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-5 level, duties will include, but are not limited to: Provides care that offers no evidence or concern of abuse. Reports immediately any evidence of care given that demonstrates mistreatment, neglect, and misappropriation of property. Ensures the resident is wearing the correct identification bracelet. Demonstrates a respect and courtesy for the Veteran at all times. Performs, and can mentor other CNAs, in activities of daily living by helping Veterans in their physical functioning. Demonstrates the need for minimal supervision and proficient skill in promoting independence in daily living activities. Performs range of motion exercises, turning and positioning, ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises. Performs and can mentor other CNAs in a variety of general nursing duties competently. Performs, under the supervision of a RN, and when assigned, catheter care, oral -pharyngeal suctioning and tracheostomy suctioning and tracheostomies that are noncomplicated and at least five days old. Uses aseptic technique and changes clean dressings. Maintains and monitors oxygen therapy as directed by the RN care plan. Applies binders, splints, supportive devices, braces, and other simple devices to aid Veterans in positioning for therapy, applies hot and cold packs, prepares patients for tests, examinations, and treatments. NA collects specimens, correctly labels specimens for laboratory examinations and assures timely transportation of specimens. Applies ointments, shampoos, and creams considered medications and mentors fellow CNAs in performing medication administration. Reviews the resident's treatment plan and follows the plan in performing resident care. NA updates the plan of care in the resident's room to remain current with IDT and in the medical record, and reports / verifies changes and discrepancies to the charge nurse. Participates in CLC activity and actions to improve the quality of care for residents. NA independently implements the resident's specific plan of care to prevent falls with injury and pressure sores. The NA accepts quality improvement assignments of monitoring compliance when assigned. Participates in the nursing care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings. Presents interventions based on the organization's guidelines on fall prevention and pressure sore prevention. Cleans and maintains equipment independently or at the direction of the RN/LPN. The NA inspects devises and determines if the device is safe to use, or removes the device, notifies supervisor, and implements the process to have the device repaired. Demonstrates self-direction and responsibility by maintaining all education required by the CLC. Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of patients. Provides one-to-one observation as directed for assaultive and ill residents and follows facility policy. Assists with labeling, preparing for transport, laundering and distributing resident's personal clothing. Initiates Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver for choking, and first aid in accordance with established Medical Center policy. Implements leisure and diversional activities for the Veteran and promotes meaningful use of time. Secures the residents privacy CLC by keeping passwords, computer access and required / recommended training current. Works the schedule assigned which requires being ready and able to work at the beginning of the tour, working on weekends, holidays and day, evening or night shift. Mandatory overtime is performed per unit practice to preserve the safety of the Veterans/residents and operation of the unit. Accurately documents treatments and care given to the resident in the resident's medical record which is usually the Computerized Patient Medical Records. Work Schedule: Seattle-7:30AM-4:00PM, 3:30PM-12:00AM, 11:30AM-08:00AM Tacoma- 6:00AM- 2:30PM, 2:00PM-10:30PM, 10:00PM-6:30AM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Stacy Hermann @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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.
