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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. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Education: Must have 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Grade Determination: GS-3 Nursing Assistant Experience, Education and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Nursing Assistant One year of specialized experience as an 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, 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. (b) Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. (c) 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. (d) Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant 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, 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) 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 GS-5. Preferred Experience: 2 to 3 years caring for adults with behavioral and substance abuse disorders on inpatient psychiatric unit. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. References: VA Handbook 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46 ["Performs assignments required of a NA and will uphold the standards of care as outlined by the Medical Center and the Service Policies and Procedures and I-CARE values Functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team such as nursing assistant Performs a variety of nursing duties aimed at increasing the safety, comfort, and spirit of the patient while following established policies and procedures Provides acute and close observation of patients with medical or mental health conditions requiring such observation; including, intervening to prevent an act of self or other harm by patients, assisting with prevention and management of disruptive behavior, and reporting to the charge nurse any deviation from baseline behavior or condition Escorts non-critical and involuntary patients to appointments in a safe and cautious manner. Assists in getting patients out of bed and returning to bed after escorting Provides observation for suicidal, wander, or high fall risk patients as directed by the Supervisor or Charge Nurse Observes and reports to the Supervisor or charge nurse changes in patient's behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance Provides nursing care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior, including the severely depressed, suicidal, or homicidal patient, and the drug or alcohol abuse patient Performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of a safe environment committed to serving the Veterans, their families, and internal and external stakeholders Considers all characteristics of the individual, including age and life stages, state of health, race and culture, values, and previous experiences Uses personal protection equipment (PPE) and lifting devices and operates patient care equipment according to standards and reports unsafe conditions/equipment Exercises careful work habits and caution to assure a safe environment for patients, visitors, and other staff members, as well as, self Maintains patient confidentiality (i.e., records, hospital course, treatments, etc.) Recognizes age related needs of the veterans Provides complete personal hygiene needs Turns and repositions patients to maintain proper body alignment, lifts, ambulates, and transfers patients Promotes the physical independence of the patient by encouraging and teaching individual patients and groups of patients in self-care activities such as progressive steps in personal hygiene, bathing, and oral care, also assists in teaching and encouraging other care activities such as eating, dressing, undressing, and bladder and other training as needed Performs glucometer testing and documents in CPRS Performs I & O on patients and documents their input and output on the sheet in the room Cleans reusable medical equipment on the unit and maintains a neat and orderly patient care environment Takes, records vital signs, weights, neurological checks, and circulatory checks. Reports change of status to RN Observes patients' physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner Assists in the full range of nursing care to patients 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 Practical Nurse Communicate orally with patients, families, interdisciplinary team, and other personnel Recognizes emergency situations and intervenes in accordance with training and competency while awaiting assistance including implementation PMDB and basic life support Work Schedule: Rotate all shifts Functional Statement #: 544-01443-A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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