Summary The Organizational Location of this position is location in Nursing Service (Patient Care Services) within VANTHCS in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury / Disorder unit. The Nursing Assistant performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive and outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. Responsibilities The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-03 is the entry-level nursing position. The incumbent will be provided opportunities to develop basic nursing skills in order to provide care to patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions in a health care setting. Individuals assigned as GS-03 NAs are considered to be at the entry and are monitored and closely supervised. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs or other healthcare professionals. Duties include but are not limited to: Utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned Veteran. Maintain positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Begin to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. Engage in-group activities such as off-station trips, reality orientation, current events and other therapeutic groups. Utilize principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients. Perform aspects of nursing care to meet patient's needs for the following: Personal hygiene Physical comfort Activity, exercise, rest Nutrition Elimination Prevent of skin breakdown Rehabilitative aspects of care The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-04 is considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and is closely supervised. The NA at this grade level performs basic nursing care and is learning to provide complex nursing care independently as a member of the nursing care team by assisting higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision, are learning to perform complex nursing skills, and will refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, licensed staff or other healthcare professionals. All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned tasks but are not limited to: Maintain positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording. Participate in patient centered conferences/shift reports and contributing information for the development and review of the nursing care plan. Maintain therapeutic environment for patients according to established procedures and policies by reporting actual or potential accidents, fire hazards and faulty equipment and taking measures to prevent injury. Perform and document prescribed medical treatment and interventions for patients, such as diabetic urine testing and blood testing, simple dressing changes. The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-05 is considered to be the full performance level for NAs. The NA at this grade level functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventative, acute, sub acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. The significant factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involved 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. All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task and not limited to: Utilize glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for Veterans. Provide direct care for complex Veterans. Make observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e., behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. Document care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. Perform oral and nasopharyngeal suctioning. Administer complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning. Monitor and documents patient intake and output. Work Schedule: Day shift 7:30 am - 8:00 pm & Night shift 7:30 pm - 8:00 am, Both shifts with rotating weekends. 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 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements 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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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 or Training: 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 (Transcript/documentation of course/study is required) 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). Grade Determinations: GS-03 Entry Level - Experience and Education. None Beyond the basic requirements, GS-04 Intermediate or developmental level - Experience. One year of specialized experience as a 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 Education. Successful completion of two 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. (transcript required) GS-05 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; 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. (transcript required) In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): GS-03: None beyond the basic requirements GS-04: 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.4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-05: 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 Nursing Assistants 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. Preferred Experience: SCI Experience preferred but not required. Experience with patient care documentation. Familiar with patient care terminology. Certification preferred but not required. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualifications Standard GS-0621, dated March 12, 2015. 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. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), pulling hand over hand 8-12 hours, pushing for 8-12 hours, both hands required, walking 8-12 hours, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8-12 hours, repeated bending for 8-12 hours, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, lifting over 35 pounds w/assisted devices. twisting, simple grasp and fine manipulation. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.