Nursing Assistant - Escort

Full Job Description

The Nursing Assistant Escort, performs transportation and basic nursing duties in a variety of health care settings such as outpatient, inpatient, residential and/or Community Living Center (CLC).

All duties performed will be completed with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.

(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. Education or Training.

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. c.

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. d. 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. e. Grandfathering Provisions.

All Nursing Assistants 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 reentry to the occupation.

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).

Grade Determinations: (1) GS-3 Nursing Assistant (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. (2) 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: 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.

(d) 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 healthcare professionals.

In this role, 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.

The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals.

(3) 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 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. (d) 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.

Preferred Experience: Evidence of Lean Belt training or experience Professional Governance participation Certified Nursing Assistant Current BLS certification Valid driver's license 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 LISTED IN THE EDUCATION SECTION BELOW Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include, but not limited to: The Nursing Assistant Escort is a supportive healthcare team member whose primary responsibility is the safe, timely and respectful transportation of patients/residents throughout the healthcare system and/or for non-emergent appointments outside the healthcare system.

This role supports nursing, diagnostics, and clinical departments by ensuring patients are transported according to physician orders and/or departmental procedures while maintaining patient dignity, safety and confidentiality.

Safely transports patients via wheelchair, stretcher, or bed to and from inpatient units, outpatient departments, diagnostic areas, procedural areas and discharge locations.

Verifies patient identity using approved identifiers prior to transport and ensures proper handoff procedures are followed to include but not limited to correct destination, transport order, infection control precautions and patient readiness prior to movement.

Explains the transport process to the patient/resident in a manner appropriate to the patient/resident's level of understanding.

Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills.

Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. Responds promptly to transport requests to support efficient patient throughput.

Coordinates with nursing units and department to minimize delays in care. Utilizes proper body mechanics, lifting techniques and approved transportation equipment to prevent patient and staff injury.

Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies. Ensure wheelchairs, stretchers, beds and transport equipment are clean, functional and properly stored.

Reports any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards or environmental concerns promptly.

Nursing Assistant Escort provides essential, safe patient transport via VA-owned and leased General Services Administration (GSA) vehicles, reporting and recording transportation via GSA, including, but not limited to: Observation of state, county, and local driving laws Conduction of VA official purpose, as directed Completion of operating checklists Reporting of accidents involving GSA vehicles Operation of power lift Application of safety devices Safe transport of patients and durable medical equipment Required annual training for drivers Required annual medical physical Required Basic Life Support training quarterly Ability to employ infection control measures Notification to transport services for preventative maintenance of GSA vehicles Completion of pre-trip walk-around GSA vehicle inspections Maintain a current and unrestricted United States Driver license (if Texas resident greater than 90 days, state law requires a Texas state license) Completion of mileage, trip, and expense logs for each trip Fueling GSA vehicle to maintain fuel no less than 3/4 tank full Record management in providing receipts, reports, logs, and trip tickets to supervisory official Security of GSA vehicle keys and credit cards Maintains a hygienic GSA vehicle environment Maintain security of vehicle upon transport completion Work Schedule: Rotating - Sunday through Saturday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, 3:30 pm - 12:00 am (Midnight) or 11:30 pm - 8:00 am.

Rotating weekends and holidays.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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) 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 55236-F/55237-F/55238-F - Nursing Assistant, Escort Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized