Nursing Assistant
Assist in the full range of nursing care for Veterans with behavioral and/or physical problems in the rehabilitation/long term care/hospice setting (CLC), Medical/Surgical, h Acute Psychiatric Unit, ACU/ICU, Urgent Care Center, Primary Care and Specialty Clinics, under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Practical Nurse. Provide daily living activities such as assisting residents with daily oral care (dentures, toothbrush), hair grooming, bathing, nail and related hygiene care. Set up, serve and monitor veteran meals, lift, tum, and transfer residents with appropriate technique and lifting assistance devices. Prepare and transport patients as needed for tests, procedures or discharge. Notify nursing of any physical or behavior changes. Document these changes using proper documentation forums. Use computer, computer programs, phone, xerox and fax machines. Conduct other duties as required to provide patient with quality care outcomes. Assist with a complete range of treatment and procedures that include but is not limited to the following:
environmental safety checks, management of hazardous items, patient belonging inventory, administering hot and cold packs; accucheks; inserting Foley catheters; caring for patients in isolation; BVI; colostomy care; application of EKG leads and providing 1:
1 monitoring of patients with altered mental status, suicidal/homicidal ideation, or identified as high risk and in need of constant supervision. Perform a range of diagnostic support duties which includes taking, recording, and reporting deviations in vital signs, taking EKGs and loading proper patient information into this device, taking specimens, labeling specimens for the laboratory, and assisting the provider in a variety of diagnostic exams. Consistently makes gross accurate observations of the patient's condition and reports and documents findings. Identify and report the patient's physical and emotional reactions to medical treatment and nursing care. Verbally provide patient information to the licensed staff for inclusion in the nursing care plan. Enter information about the patient's condition in the patient's written and/or electronic records following (PCS) policies. Communicate effectively with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members and other staff personnel. Act in a professional manner as a role model for peers. Serve as a preceptor to new NAs by assisting with employee orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. Maintain appropriate and professional boundaries with patients and their families. Communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to meet unit objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to the supervisor. Utilize population, cultural, age-specific communication techniques to provide effective communication with patients and visitors. Instruct patients on the patient's role in various tests, such as x-rays, covering information previously supplied by the doctor or nurse. Instructs patient/resident on the set up and purpose of treatment supported by auxiliary equipment such as oxygen and suction. Support patient teaching based on evidence-based, general information covered with the patient previously by either the doctor or nurse. Utilize teaching opportunities with awareness of medical treatment goals. Identify teaching needs and institute approaches to meet these. Recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervenes while waiting for assistance. For example, recognize the need for basic life support, control bleeding and assist with behavior crisis, etc. Participates and completes mandatory education classes by designated due date. Display courteous verbal and non-verbal communication to patients/residents, staff, and visitors. Utilize proper telephone etiquette at all times. Is dependable; report on and off duty on time. Report to charge nurse when leaving ward for any reason. Maintain a clean, neat appearance at all times and follow PCS policies (e.g. uniform policy). Work Schedule:
Variable 12 hour Night Tour 1900-0730 (includes weekends & holidays) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. Education or Training:
One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant (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. Preferred
Experience:
Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of Experience. To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates GS-3 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education:
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 NA 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:
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. Assignment:
Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist 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/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other health care professionals. GS-5 NA (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. 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 KSA's 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 NAs 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Physical Requirements:
Work requires the Nursing Assistant to spend most of the tour (up to 12 hours per day) on his/her feet with intermittent walking, bending, pushing, pulling and intermittently lifting up to 45 pounds. The employee is required to safely use mechanical devices and proper body mechanics for lifting. The use of a mechanical device is required for all heavy lifting (e.g. patient lifting). The employee accepts assignments on an approved tour of duty in the assigned area where service is required. Work requires intermittent positioning and transferring patients in the delivery of patient care, utilizing proper body mechanics at all times. Work requires the ability to use a keyboard to access, input and retrieve information using a computer with keyboard. Work requires finger and hand dexterity adequate to handle and manipulate equipment, stocking of supplies, submitting reports and filing forms. The employee works with different types of personalities and is closely involved with disabled, acute, chronic, and seriously ill residents. He/she must possess stable personality and good mental health and demonstrate cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy, and concern. References:
VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46 Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621 Veterans Health Administration, Dated 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-4.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
environmental safety checks, management of hazardous items, patient belonging inventory, administering hot and cold packs; accucheks; inserting Foley catheters; caring for patients in isolation; BVI; colostomy care; application of EKG leads and providing 1:
1 monitoring of patients with altered mental status, suicidal/homicidal ideation, or identified as high risk and in need of constant supervision. Perform a range of diagnostic support duties which includes taking, recording, and reporting deviations in vital signs, taking EKGs and loading proper patient information into this device, taking specimens, labeling specimens for the laboratory, and assisting the provider in a variety of diagnostic exams. Consistently makes gross accurate observations of the patient's condition and reports and documents findings. Identify and report the patient's physical and emotional reactions to medical treatment and nursing care. Verbally provide patient information to the licensed staff for inclusion in the nursing care plan. Enter information about the patient's condition in the patient's written and/or electronic records following (PCS) policies. Communicate effectively with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members and other staff personnel. Act in a professional manner as a role model for peers. Serve as a preceptor to new NAs by assisting with employee orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. Maintain appropriate and professional boundaries with patients and their families. Communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to meet unit objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to the supervisor. Utilize population, cultural, age-specific communication techniques to provide effective communication with patients and visitors. Instruct patients on the patient's role in various tests, such as x-rays, covering information previously supplied by the doctor or nurse. Instructs patient/resident on the set up and purpose of treatment supported by auxiliary equipment such as oxygen and suction. Support patient teaching based on evidence-based, general information covered with the patient previously by either the doctor or nurse. Utilize teaching opportunities with awareness of medical treatment goals. Identify teaching needs and institute approaches to meet these. Recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervenes while waiting for assistance. For example, recognize the need for basic life support, control bleeding and assist with behavior crisis, etc. Participates and completes mandatory education classes by designated due date. Display courteous verbal and non-verbal communication to patients/residents, staff, and visitors. Utilize proper telephone etiquette at all times. Is dependable; report on and off duty on time. Report to charge nurse when leaving ward for any reason. Maintain a clean, neat appearance at all times and follow PCS policies (e.g. uniform policy). Work Schedule:
Variable 12 hour Night Tour 1900-0730 (includes weekends & holidays) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. Education or Training:
One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant (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. Preferred
Experience:
Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of Experience. To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates GS-3 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education:
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 NA 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:
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. Assignment:
Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist 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/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other health care professionals. GS-5 NA (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. 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 KSA's 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 NAs 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Physical Requirements:
Work requires the Nursing Assistant to spend most of the tour (up to 12 hours per day) on his/her feet with intermittent walking, bending, pushing, pulling and intermittently lifting up to 45 pounds. The employee is required to safely use mechanical devices and proper body mechanics for lifting. The use of a mechanical device is required for all heavy lifting (e.g. patient lifting). The employee accepts assignments on an approved tour of duty in the assigned area where service is required. Work requires intermittent positioning and transferring patients in the delivery of patient care, utilizing proper body mechanics at all times. Work requires the ability to use a keyboard to access, input and retrieve information using a computer with keyboard. Work requires finger and hand dexterity adequate to handle and manipulate equipment, stocking of supplies, submitting reports and filing forms. The employee works with different types of personalities and is closely involved with disabled, acute, chronic, and seriously ill residents. He/she must possess stable personality and good mental health and demonstrate cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy, and concern. References:
VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46 Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621 Veterans Health Administration, Dated 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-4.
- Department:
0621 Nursing Assistant - Salary Range:
$27,800 to $45,393 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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