Nursing Assistant

Full Job Description

The Nursing Assistant (NA) within the scope and certification of a CNA in the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment and demonstrates consistent practice when temporarily assigned to related nursing units and clinics.

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. [Experience or] Education or Training.

(1) [Six months of general experience.

Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR,] (2) One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR, (3) Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-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).

Grandfathering Provisions: All NAs employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

(2) If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.

Grade Determinations: GS-3 NA (Entry Level) (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments.

Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 NA (a) 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, (b) 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???????

(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: i Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.

ii Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.

iii 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.

iv Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 NA (Full Performance Level). (a) 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, (b) 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 (c) Demonstrated KSAs.

i 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.

ii 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.

iii 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:1 year of experience as a CNA or patient care assistant in a hospital setting. Surgery Unit Preferred.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Provides care and services to multiple populations served and admitted to the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment as determined by the patient/resident need for nursing care and services.

Provides care of patients/residents and their environment contributing to optimizing patient/resident outcomes as a member of the multi- disciplinary healthcare team.

Provides direct patient/resident care in the provision of the psychological, physical, social, and cultural activities of daily living, complete and supportive.

Provides for the care of patients/residents with dignity and continuous consideration of the individuals emotional needs.

Provides reporting, communication, and documentation in the computerized patient record system with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Maintains certification and BLS.

Remains current in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, CVHCS, VISN and National Agencies.

Demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, application of technical standards and performance of administrative support duties.

Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with standard operating procedures for the maintenance of reusable medical equipment.

Participates in Medical Center activities and demonstrates skills and behaviors that provide and promote positive internal and external customer relationships.

Attends unit level and Medical Center meetings and develops as an employee to support committee participation.

Maintains patient/resident safety standards assuring patient /resident privacy, patient/resident physical safety, and patient/resident psychological safety.

Establishes working relationships with multi-disciplinary and multi-level members of the work team promoting the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of the working environment for all team members.

Aids and support to the Registered Nurse and/or provider within the scope of the CNA certification/grade and consistent with Medical Center policy.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide care and services consistent with Infection Control Standards of Practice providing optimal outcomes for patients, residents, visitors, and employees.

Recognizes, responds, and initiates appropriate level response to medical emergency such as cardiac and/or respiratory failure.

Work Schedule: Day evening rotation, 730-1600 and 1530-2000 Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)