Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center (1P)

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.

01Basic 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 or] Education or Training: Six months of general experience.

Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR, one year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR, completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.

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. 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).

02Grade Determinations

GS-3 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): None beyond the Basic Requirements.

GS-4 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): (a) EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience as an 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, (b) EDUCATION: Successful completion of two (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): In addition, the candidate 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 GS-5 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): (a) EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) 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 (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 (NAs) 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.

03Preferred Experience

One (1) year of experience as a care partner, nursing assistant or personal care attendant in a professional setting. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.

04Physical Requirements

This clinical position includes a physicality normally associated with direct patient care: the physical requirements of this position include lifting, prolonged standing, sitting, frequent bending, stooping, walking, reaching, repetitive motion, and climbing stairs.

The mental/sensory requirements include logical thinking, processing and retaining information, reading, recall, reasoning, complex problem solving, hearing, clear distinct speech, writing, keyboarding, use of a telephone, and use of video connectivity. This position requires face-to-face patient care, use of available IT software and equipment for virtual visits, and timely and accurate navigation of and documentation in electronic medical records.

The environment's pace can vary from steady to fast-paced requiring handling multiple priorities in a single day, frequent, sometimes intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes-noisy environment. There may be the need to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to disease, illness, and hazardous materials.

This position involved working with persons with communication difficulties, cognitive loss including dementia, behavioral challenges, altered mentation and caregivers that are stressed. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders is essential. This position requires compliance with VHA-mandated vaccinations and meeting employee health requirements.

The Nursing Assistant (NA) within the scope and certification of a CNA in the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment and demonstrates consistent practice when temporarily assigned to related nursing units and clinics. He or she provides care and services to multiple populations served and admitted to the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment as determined by the patient/resident need for nursing care and services.

The incumbent provides care of patients/residents and their environment contributing to optimizing patient/resident outcomes as a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Provides direct patient/resident care in the provision of the psychological, physical, social, and cultural activities of daily living, complete and supportive.

Provides for the care of patients/residents with dignity and continuous consideration of the individuals emotional needs. Provides reporting, communication, and documentation in the computerized patient record system with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Maintains certification and BLS. Remains current in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, CVHCS, VISN and National Agencies.

Demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, application of technical standards and performance of administrative support duties. Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with standard operating procedures for the maintenance of reusable medical equipment. Participates in Medical Center activities and demonstrates skills and behaviors that provide and promote positive internal and external customer relationships.

Attends unit level and Medical Center meetings and develops as an employee to support committee participation. Maintains patient/resident safety standards assuring patient /resident privacy, patient/resident physical safety, and patient/resident psychological safety. Establishes working relationships with multi-disciplinary and multi-level members of the work team promoting the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of the working environment for all team members.

Aids and support to the Registered Nurse and/or provider within the scope of the CNA certification/grade and consistent with Medical Center policy. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide care and services consistent with Infection Control Standards of Practice providing optimal outcomes for patients, residents, visitors, and employees. Recognizes, responds, and initiates appropriate level response to medical emergency such as cardiac and/or respiratory failure.

Work Schedule: All Shifts Available, holidays and weekends included Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized