General Description: The NA at this grade level functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventative, acute, subacute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. The Organizational Location of the Position is: This position is location in Nursing Service (Patient Care Services) within VANTHCS. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (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 (Transcript/documentation of course/study is REQUIRED) 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. Grade Determinations: GS-03 Entry Level - Experience and Education. None Beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 Intermediate or developmental level - Experience. One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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 two 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) GS-05 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):GS-03None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 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. GS-05 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 Nursing Assistants 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. Preferred Experience: At least 6-months experience in direct patient care - feeding, bathing, walking, transfers, patient safety. Experience with patient care documentation. Familiar with patient care terminology. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualifications Standard GS-0621, dated March 12, 2015. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05. Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting 15-44 pounds, Light lifting, under 15 pounds, Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Pulling hand over hand ( 8-12 hours), Pushing ( 8-12 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking ( 8-12 hours), Standing ( 8-12 hours), Kneeling ( 8-12 hours), Repeated bending (8-12 hours), Both legs required, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted) ["Duties include but are not limited to: 1. Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for veterans. 2. Provides direct care for complex veterans. 3. Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e. behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. 4. Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. 5. Performs oral and nasopharyngeal suctioning. 6. Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning. 7. Monitors and documents patient intake and output. 8. Performs nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures but not limited to: enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices. 9. Works on small group activities with veterans/residents according to patients/veterans' treatment plan. 10. Recognizes the resident's autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment. 11. Actively participates in treatment planning meetings. 12. Utilizes equipment to promote the veteran self -care, such as lift equipment, hydro sound tubs, and veteran/resident wandering system. 13. Verbally provides patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in the veteran/resident's plan of care, participates in treatment team meetings for resident care planning. 14. Enters information about the residents' condition in the chart, utilizing appropriate formats. 15. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the patient/resident. Work Schedule: All shifts based on the needs of the unit. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not 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. The VA Martinsburg Healthcare System offers a wide range of health, support, and facility services for Veterans at 8 locations serving western Maryland, south-central Pennsylvania, northwest Virginia, and West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. Primary Care services are offered at the following locations. Martinsburg WV, Hagerstown MD, Cumberland MD, Franklin WV, Harrisonburg VA, Petersburg WV and Winchester VA.
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise – "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" – by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans.
Physicians interested in caring for our America's Veterans and their families, email Nicole.Carey@va.gov or call 304-620-4354.
