Nursing Assistant
The incumbent will function as a member of the care team responsible for assisting multi-disciplined providers and licensed nursing staff with the care of Veterans in the Community Based Care unit of the Butler VA Medical Center. He/she will provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors or other healthcare professionals. Duties will include but are not limited to:
Providing family care to Veterans who live on the unit such as observing, recording and reporting changes in their behavior, condition and symptom management Assisting with Veterans' personal care for daily living activities such as bathing, grooming and nutritional intake, as necessary, and participating in recreational activities to promote the Veterans' quality of life Promoting Veteran participation in a therapeutic environment by fostering self-reliance and independence and treating the Veteran and their families with the utmost dignity and respect Assisting with duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the patient and actively monitoring their condition during the procedure Administering prescribed treatments and medications in accordance with VA hospital policies and procedures Communicate effectively with care team, Veterans, and family members Monitoring Veterans for risk behaviors (including elopement, wandering, suicide, fall, behavior, and pressure ulcer) and communicating to appropriate care team member when further intervention is needed Responding during emergencies and promoting a safe and clean environment at all times Completing documentation while ensuring Veterans' Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is kept confidential and protected according to VA policies and procedures. Work Schedule:
Multiple schedules available Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. Education:
One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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 Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 NA 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; AND 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 Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the 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. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other healthcare professionals.2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 NA (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 in subparagraph (c) 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 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff 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 .The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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:
Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; pushing, moderate; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (8 hours); standing (8 hours); repeated bending; climbing; both legs required; near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and 20/100 in the other; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Providing family care to Veterans who live on the unit such as observing, recording and reporting changes in their behavior, condition and symptom management Assisting with Veterans' personal care for daily living activities such as bathing, grooming and nutritional intake, as necessary, and participating in recreational activities to promote the Veterans' quality of life Promoting Veteran participation in a therapeutic environment by fostering self-reliance and independence and treating the Veteran and their families with the utmost dignity and respect Assisting with duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the patient and actively monitoring their condition during the procedure Administering prescribed treatments and medications in accordance with VA hospital policies and procedures Communicate effectively with care team, Veterans, and family members Monitoring Veterans for risk behaviors (including elopement, wandering, suicide, fall, behavior, and pressure ulcer) and communicating to appropriate care team member when further intervention is needed Responding during emergencies and promoting a safe and clean environment at all times Completing documentation while ensuring Veterans' Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is kept confidential and protected according to VA policies and procedures. Work Schedule:
Multiple schedules available Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. Education:
One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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 Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 NA 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; AND 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 Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the 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. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other healthcare professionals.2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 NA (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 in subparagraph (c) 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 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff 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 .The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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:
Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; pushing, moderate; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (8 hours); standing (8 hours); repeated bending; climbing; both legs required; near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and 20/100 in the other; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability.
- Department:
0621 Nursing Assistant - Salary Range:
$28,627 to $46,744 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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