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The Nursing Assistant is a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. Assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. The Nursing Assistant may perform theses duties in a variety of health care settings such as outpatient, inpatient, acute, and/or sub-acute care. 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. Experience and Education: 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. *NOTE: You must provide documented proof of courses taken OR completion of training to satisfy this requirement. 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. Grandfathering provision: 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). Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 and details outline below. Grade Determinations: To qualify for the GS-3 grade level, you must meet the above listed basic requirements of having one year above high school with courses related to the nursing assistant occupation OR have completed an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant. To qualify for the GS-4 grade level, you must have 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 Successfully completed 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; In addition, you 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. To qualify for the GS-5 grade level, you must have one year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level. Examples of experience include functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting higher graded nursing assistants, 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. OR Have successfully completed 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. In addition, you must demonstrate the following 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 nursing assistants 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. Preferred Experience: Not applicable References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46. 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: Heavy lifting (45lbs and over), heaving carrying (45lbs and over), straight pulling (up 2 hours), pushing (up to 2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing (up to 8 hours), kneeling and repeated bending (up to 2 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger I to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), emotional stability, clear speech and mental stability, working closely with other, working alone, subject to odors, protective clothing (gowns/gloves), exposure to blood and body fluids. ["Major duties: Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for veterans refers deviation to appropriate health care staff Provides direct care for complex veterans. Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e. behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and takes action accordingly within the NA's assigned role. Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. Responds appropriately to subtle patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personal. Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning. Monitor and documents patient intake and output reports deviations timely and accurately. 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, monitoring of. Works on small group activities with veterans/residents according to the patients/resident treatment plan. Recognizes the residents' autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment. Actively participates in Treatment Planning Meetings. Utilizes equipment to promote the veteran self-care, such as; lift equipment, Hydro sound Tubs, and Veteran/Resident Wandering System. Verbally provides patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in the veteran/residents' plan of care, participates in treatment team meetings for resident care planning. Enters information about the residents' condition in the chart, utilizing appropriate formats. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the patient/resident. Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties. Work Schedule: Full time, 7:30am - 8:00pm every other weekend and rotating holidays Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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