The positions support multiple locations across the facility to assist the Registered Nurse (RN) in the care management of patients and/or residents and families in the Community Living Center (CLC), Inpatient Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Unit and any other assigned areas of the Hospital/Facility as needed. 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: 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. English Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. 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. 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 KSAs 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. The full performance level of this vacancy is 05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 05. References: A Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing such as gloves, gowns, masks, eyewear in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The NA must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019. ["This is an Open and Continuous announcement for multiple positions and can be taken down at any time. This announcement will be posted until September 29, 2023. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available for Salem VA Medical Center. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 27, 2023 with subsequent cut-off date for referral on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Due to the multi-specialty availability of this posting, below is a brief overview of specialties; Maintains positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others. Provides direct care for complex Veterans. Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e. behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and takes action accordingly within the NA's assigned role. Performs basic skills in taking temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry, height, weight, etc. Ensures patients are prepared for tests and accompanies patients to other testing procedures, as the patient's condition requires and contacts appropriate nursing personnel. Monitor and documents patient intake and output. Reports deviations timely and accurately. Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. Participate in patient centered conferences/shift reports and contributing information for the development and review of the nursing care plan. Maintain a therapeutic environment for patients according to established procedures and policies by reporting actual or potential accidents, fire hazards and faulty equipment. Competent with performing aspects of nursing care to meet patient/resident needs Engages the patient in the Recovery process. Performs unit-based testing including breathalyzer, blood glucose testing per service protocol. Performs and completes all verbal and written tasks assigned during the tour of duty. Answer call lights promptly and take appropriate actions. Work Schedule: Rotating Schedules with Varying Shifts Available Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant - 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not Available"]
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.
