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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Nursing Assistant - Medical Surgical (Intermittent) Near Sioux Falls, SD

Qualifications:

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:

• 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.
  
  Note: A copy of college transcripts showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the NA occupation, or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant (e.g., Nurse Aid Certificate) is required at the time of application.
  
  Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard (March 12, 2015) 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:
• 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.
• 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.

Grade Determinations:
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 through GS-5. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the qualification criteria outlined below must be met for each grade. To receive full consideration at the GS-4 and -5 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) described below.

GS-3 - Entry Level

Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.

GS-4 - Developmental Level

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 (transcripts required).

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.

GS-5 - 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 listed 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 (transcripts required).

AND

Demonstrated KSAs:

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46



The full performance level of this vacancy is GS5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS3 to GS5.

Responsibilities:

Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is part of the VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23). The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 09/27/2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 11/13/2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

The Nursing Assistant uses knowledge and skills to complete assigned duties which involve performing activities at the assigned level with supervision by the registered nurse. The nursing assistant provides care to adult and geriatric Veteran with varying levels of physical and mental conditions. As an integral part of the nursing team the Nursing Assistant has an impact on Veterans, visitors, coworkers, and other employees of the VA Medical Center and is expected to exercise judgment and to engage RN when necessary. The nursing assistant is expected to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure and techniques as appropriate to the role.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs a variety of nursing care activities which include bathing, feeding, oral care and related personal hygiene duties.
• Assist with ambulation, lifting, getting Veteran ready for Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy (PT/OT), positioning and self-help activities.
• Reapply nasal oxygen cannula if misplaced from Veteran's nares. May obtain full oxygen tank and replace empty oxygen tank for Veteran as needed.
• Recognize and properly use equipment, materials and supplies to carry out procedures and other assignments under the direction of the RN.
• Observes and reports current observations such as veteran's physical condition, emotional response, observes skin condition, variations in vital signs, urine, stool or sputum; personal habits of patient, and listens for clues to Veterans reaction to illness and treatment, and reports observation to RN.
• Performs diagnostic support duties, such as collection of specimens.
• Ability to establish positive interpersonal relationships, to contribute to the emotional support of the patient and to function as a team member.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to participate effectively in emergency situations such as Code Blue, Code Man, Code Red, internal disasters, etc.
• Cleans and maintains ward work areas reporting safety hazards, such as smoking risks and equipment in need of repair.
• Provides 1 : 1 support for Veterans requiring close observation.
• Prior Acute Ward experience is preferred but not required.

Work Schedule: This is an intermittent position. Intermittent employment is defined as non-fulltime employment in which employees serve under an excepted or competitive service appointment without a regularly scheduled tour of duty. A position with an intermittent work schedule is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Physical requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Job Summary