Nursing Assistant

Duties include but are not limited to :

• Assists the RN, licensed practical nurse (LPN), and other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) with providing input in the development of care plan based on the Veteran's care needs. This includes input into completion of the minimum data sets (MDS) assessment at required and various time points. Attends IDT meetings and contributes to the IDT.
• Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the Veteran and monitoring the Veteran's condition.
• Promotes the value of cultural transformation and Veteran-centered care to nursing staff in the community living center (CLC). Actively seeks Veteran choice in care plan participation and goal development.
• Offer suggestions to improve the Veterans activities of daily living (ADL) functions and quality of life. This would include suggestions for restorative or rehabilitative care.
• Performs nursing care, as applicable to the Veteran, including all aspects of personal care and grooming.
• Under the direction of the RN or LPN, monitor bladder and bowel functioning, tracking of input and output (I&O), and hydration.
• Consistently follows policies, standard operating procedures, and procedures as applicable to reusable medical equipment and infection control.
• Observes Veterans and reports changes in Veteran behavior and condition to the unit charge nurse.
• Reports required information for hand-off communication to charge nurse and co-workers including to other members of the IDT and other applicable staff and departments. Completes the necessary documentation for these duties.
• Under the direction of the RN or LPN, educates the Veterans on their care needs as appropriate to NA skill level. Communicates with families and significant others as appropriate.
• Under the direction of the RN or LPN, provides health care services to the Veteran, to include but not limited to: Foley Catheter insertion/discontinuation/care; obtaining the Veterans vital signs, blood glucose, or electrocardiogram ( EKG); activities of daily living; and post-mortem care.
• Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the charge nurse, nurse manager (NM), or the nursing supervisor.
• Completes all assigned routine documentation.
• Takes appropriate action when indicated regarding equipment safety (Wanderguard unit, crash cart, refrigerators, etc.). Communicates to appropriate staff, when immediate intervention is needed for safe care. Initiates and maintains standards of cleanliness and safety in Veteran environment and exercises proper us and maintenance of equipment.
• Monitors Veterans risk for behaviors, including but not limited to: Elopement; wandering; suicide; fall; behavior; pressure ulcer; and taking action, when indicated, to include communicating to appropriate personnel when further intervention is needed and completing necessary documentation.
• Responds during emergencies, assisting during fire drills and responding to any safety issues as they arise. Demonstrates self-direction in applying knowledge of fire, safety and disaster regulations, practices, and procedures and communicates expectations to staff.
• Uses proper body mechanics and safe lifting equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) that promote a safe workplace. Encourages other staff compliance with safety policies.
• Participates on committees or other workgroups as requested. Participates in quality improvement activities.
• Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Completes mandatory education requirements.
• Assumes patient care assignments involving more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirement.
• Assumes a peer education/mentorship role.

Work Schedule: Multiple Shifts available
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant/PD000000, PD000000, and PD000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

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.
• 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.

Preferred Experience: At least one year nursing assistant experience.

Grade Determinations:

GS-3

• Experience and Education: 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: 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). 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

• 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 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.

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 05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 05.

Physical Requirements: The population of male and female Veterans served ranges from the adult, age 18 to the elderly adult, age 65 and over. Lebanon VA Medical Center is a major interdisciplinary teaching facility, serving medical and surgical inpatients and outpatients. The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing, lifting 45 pounds or more, reaching, stretching, and similar activities supporting various weights. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The incumbent must be able to navigate all areas of the facility, use a keyboard, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary, as well as direct others to perform it, and perform other activities of the position without any restrictions.

• Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28,381.00 - $46,341.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Hospital
• Long term care
• Nursing home

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift

Work Location: One location