Nursing Assistant

Summary

The Nursing Assistant provides Veteran/resident care, performs clinical procedures, technical procedures, and ancillary services for Veteran/resident care. Performs a variety of personal care or nursing care activities which do not require practical or registered nurse licensure and/or education. Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort of the Veteran/resident. This position is within our Surgical and Medical (SAM) Department within Acute Care Nursing Service.

Duties

Demonstrates knowledge of assignment procedure and is ready to receive report at the start of scheduled tour. Listens attentively to report, takes notes, and asks for clarification when unsure of content. Formulates work schedule in accordance with unit routine and asks for guidance when unsure of how to prioritize and/or anticipate patient care needs. Accepts adults chosen life-styles and assists necessary adjustments relating to health. Recognizing adults' values and function of independence and ability to be self-sustaining in life. Supporting change necessary for health. Assisting patients to keep physically and socially active and to maintain peer group interactions. Assisting patients to cope with loss, e.g. hearing, eyesight, and death of significant others. Assisting patients with self-care as required, and with maintaining as much independence as possible. Performs basic procedures and treatments according to the orientation/annual/unit specific competency checklist for assigned patients with guidance. Assists Team Leader/Charge Nurse with delivery of procedures/treatments for a team of patients, in an organized and timely manner in accordance with established policy and procedure, seeking guidance when necessary. Recognizes medical/behavioral emergencies and obtains immediate assistance; completes basic life support and PMDB (as appropriate) training within orientation period. Assists patients to keep physically and socially active. Attends interdisciplinary rounds and discharge planning meetings, developing a beginning awareness of team member roles and educational tools. Implements patient instruction/discharge planning interventions for assigned patients as designated by Team Leader/Charge Nurse. Provides respectful care that maintains individuality, dignity, and self-esteem for Veterans in an environment that focuses on their care needs and quality of life. Supports culture change and Veteran-centered care. If applicable, thoroughly comprehends all processes for non-critical reusable medical equipment (equipment designed by the manufacturer to be reused by multiple patients) including initial training, proper setup (assembling the RME in preparation for a procedure in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions), use and reprocessing (cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use) and maintenance according to standard operating procedures (documents detailing all steps and activities of an approved process or procedure). Functions as a therapeutic companion (TC) for Veterans who need close observation. TC assignment includes providing care (baths, personal hygiene, feeding, elimination, and intake and output) for Veteran and preventing Veteran from hurting himself or interfering with the treatment by pulling out lines/IVs. Keeps Veteran under direct observation and engages Veteran in activities as indicated. Performs position responsibilities in an ethical manner adhering to the Employee Responsibilities and Conduct in Medical Center Policy 05-14. Accurately documents nursing care, nursing interventions and patient response for assigned patients on established templates. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 8:00pm, one additional shift in the pay period from 7:30am - 4:00 pm, Weekend and Holiday Rotation; and to off tours as mandated Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. 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. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005. 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, healthcare 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). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: i Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. ii Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. iii Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, b