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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Nursing Assistant -Restorative Care Near Minneapolis, MN

Qualifications:

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:

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.

GRADE DETERMINATION:
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

Responsibilities:

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until February 29, 2024 and may be extended until all vacancies are filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 5, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

The incumbent practices as a Restorative Nursing Assistance (RNA) on the Community Living Center (CLC) Neighborhoods at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. The population served includes Veterans ranging from adult to the elderly with a variety of medical diagnosis. Restorative nursing assists with maintaining independence in functional mobility and activities of daily living, and to prevent a decline in function. This concept actively focuses on achieving and maintaining optimal physical, mental, and psychosocial functioning. A Veteran may be enrolled in a restorative program during or after the completion of skilled therapy (PT, OT, SLP). This position requires rotation to various tours to provide coverage seven (7) days a week.

The NA duties are performed under the direction of the Registered Nurse in the long term care and acute rehabilitation setting (Community Living Center/Sub-acute rehabilitation unit, Polytrauma/TBI/Stroke/Amputation and Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder rehabilitation units). NAs' may provide coverage for areas other than the ward hired into.

Duties Include:

• Possess knowledge of rehabilitation measures in order to assist disabled residents to progressively develop greater independence in performing activities of daily living.
• Ability to function independently with indirect supervision.
• Able to participate in repetitive physical activities that may include bending, squatting, reaching, twisting, grasping, frequent pushing/pulling and frequent lifting.
• Organizes and performs recurring nursing care as outlined on the care plan and reports problems and deviations to the Restorative Coordinator.
• Possesses knowledge of growth and development needs of early, middle and late adult.
• Demonstrate a willingness to interact and manage Veterans with complicated and varying function abilities.
• Works independently without specific instruction, but refers deviation, problems and unfamiliar situations to the Restorative Coordinator for decision or help.

Work Schedule: Various schedules available including Full time and Part-Time.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Funding is limited; therefore, applications will be approved on a first-come basis.

Additional Pay:

• Shift Differential - 10% of basic pay for work performed during regularly scheduled hours between 6pm and 6am.
• Weekend Premium - 25% of basic pay for work performed between the hours of midnight Friday and midnight Sunday. This includes continuous service connected to work performed during these hours.
• Holiday Pay - 2 times basic hourly rate for regularly scheduled, non-overtime work on a designated holiday.

Job Summary