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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Nursing Assistant Near Alexandria, LA

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Language: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• 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.

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:
GS-3 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4
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 with 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 in addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
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. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level).

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. Examples of qualifying experience include, but may not be limited to functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting licensed nursing staff, and other members of a 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs 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; and and in addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level).

Preferred Experience:

• Acute Med/Surgery
  • Experience preferred/not required

• Urgent Care Clinic
  • 1 year nursing experience

• Community Living Center
  • Long term care or nursing home experience preferred

• Mental Health Inpatient
  • One year of mental health or residential treatment program experience preferred. More than 2-years in ER, long-term care, and other rehabilitation care environments considered.

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: Work requires regular and recurring periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the ward, walking up to a mile when off ward, off post outings. Also, ability to take part in light physical recreation is necessary.

Responsibilities:

If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply CBST-12190751-24-TB

**This is an open continuous posting and may close before the listed closing date. A certificate will be issued every 15 days until a selection is made.**

Duties include but not limited to:

• Escorts patients to appointments, activities, meals, etc. Participates in the admission of patients to the unit, orienting them, and helping them to feel more comfortable. Takes and records vital signs, collects, and delivers specimens, assists with physical exams.
• Works with patients using a variety of treatment procedures in groups (i.e., reality orientation, small group therapy) or individually (one-to-one therapy) Identifies and meets needs of patients for activities of daily living, involvement in activities, understanding of illness, and discharge planning. Accounts for the location of patients.
• Document's nursing intervention and the patient's response to intervention. Incumbent provides atmosphere and a forum for a therapeutic relationship with patients by providing the opportunity for self-expression and appropriate self-motivated behavior by communicating acceptance or empathy and clear verbal feedback in a non-threatening manner. Supports multidisciplinary activities, i.e., Art Therapy, Recreational Therapy and Occupational Therapy by eliciting patient participation and explaining the concept and theoretical basis in a manner in which the patient understands.
• Works with other disciplines in developing a plan of care by attending and participating in Treatment Planning Conferences. Participates in team meetings, community meetings, and other therapeutic groups by sharing thoughts and feelings in reference to what is going on and in reference to behavior of the participants. Monitors the use of hazardous items. Secures patient's valuables, baggage, and clothing.
• Possess the ability to communicate orally with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members and other personnel.
• Possess the ability to recognize and react to emergent resident care situations and intervene while summoning for assistance (For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. the Nursing Assistant will initiate emergency action process in life threatening or urgent situations and alert licensed personnel immediately)
• Accurately record care delivery and observations using established oral, written and computer communications according to documentation guidelines
• Assists patient with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as personal hygiene and daily nourishment with direction
• Performs treatments such as foot soaks, and applications of non-prescribed/non-medicate topical lotions. Checks and accurately records vital signs, weight and height measurements
• Able to observe patients physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. Performs a wide variety of activities to increase comfort, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient
• Provides 1:1 observation for patients who are safety risks (within one arm's length of the patient)
• Activities may include:
  • Bathing, personal hygiene, assisting with meals
  • Obtaining, recording and reporting vital signs accurately
  • Assisting with ambulation/restorative care
  • Providing a safe environment
  • Escorting patients for care
  • Delivery of lab specimens
  • Travel escort for VA Travel Service
  • 1:1 observation of patients
  • Reporting to the nurse any change in patient's condition
• Other duties of care as directed by Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, or providers

Work Schedule: Various Shifts
Telework: Not Available
Functional Statement #: 502-00233-F / 502-00234-F / 502-00235-F
502-00159-F / 502-00160-F / 502-00161-F
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary