---

Veterans Health Administration is Hiring an Open Continuous Announcement-Nursing Assistant - Long Term Care Near Wilkes Barre, PA

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
• 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.
• 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 Requirement:

GS-03 Nursing Assistant:
For GS-03 Entry Level consideration: None beyond the basic requirements.

Experience Requirement: GS-04 Nursing Assistant:
(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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; 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)
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.*Individuals assigned as GS-4 NA's are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised--they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NA's or other healthcare professionals.

Experience Requirement: GS-05 Nursing Assistant:
(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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's)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 the need for basic life support, controlling bleeding, and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-03 to GS-05.

References: Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards, VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, dated March 12, 2015. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Preferred Experience: Long Term Care experience.

Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Handbook 5019, Part II, Paragraph 3, II-1, 1(a), A pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time individuals appointed under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 73, for Title 38 positions.

Responsibilities:

Duties include but not limited to the following:

The Nursing Assistant for Long Term Care will be responsible for providing safe, effective care to patients/residents. Actives will include bathing, personal hygiene, assisting with feeding, taking-recording reporting vital signs accurately, assisting ambulation and other duties or care as directed by Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses or providers. Will be responsible for providing safe, effective care to patients/residents. Maintains patient safety and the safety of the environment. - Assists residents with personal care and other duties or care as directed by Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses or providers, such as bathing, personal hygiene, assisting with feeding, taking recording-reporting vital signs accurately, and assisting with ambulation. - Observes patients/residents who may be confused or have other cognitive issues providing safe environment and reports to nurse when condition changes. - Initiates emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and /or respiratory arrest, massive bleeding, shock, or assaultive behavior and alerts licensed personal immediately. - Assists in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in the geriatric setting under the direction of the Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse. - Properly uses equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, specimen collection, etc. This includes safety & 1:1 watch observations following PMDB competency. - Under the direction of the RN, monitors bladder and bowel functioning, tracking of I&O and hydration. - Provides accurate documentation per policy, i.e. sitter notes, itemized belongings, vital signs, I & O, etc. - Provide one-to-one observations for SVE watch and safety watch to ensure patient safety. - Demonstrates ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new CNAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. - Demonstrates ability to recognize and react to emergent patient care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis etc.

Work Schedule: Evenings 3:45 pm-12:15 am with alternating weekends and holidays
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000/Nursing Assistant
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary