Nursing Assistant

Summary

The incumbent provides direct patient care activities under the supervision of the registered nurse. May be trained for specific functions such as phlebotomy, 12- lead EKG's, Health Unit Coordinator clerical functions, or telemetry monitoring. Assists with/performs appropriate nursing tasks for patients.

Salary displayed is based on the Special Salary Rate pay scale and pay will be adjusted based upon grade selection.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

03/05/2024 to 03/20/2024

• Salary

$35,548 - $58,035 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 3 - 5

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Madison, WI 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -

• Work schedule

Full-time -

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

5

• Job family (Series)

0621 Nursing Assistant

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CAZP-12324528-24-AFM

• Control number

779791500

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This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

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Duties

Major Duties:

• Assist or provide patients with personal hygiene, i.e., bathing, shaving, teeth brushing, nail care, hair combing, etc.

• Provide patients with the appropriate level of assistance with activities of daily living, bathing, dressing, transferring, ambulating, feeding, and toileting.

• Obtains blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and blood glucose (finger stick) and records them appropriately in the medical record. Is able to distinguish significant variances in vital signs and finger sticks and reports them to the responsible RN.

• Weighs patients and records them appropriately in the medical record. Is knowledgeable about variances in weights and reports significant variances in weights to responsible RN.

• Assists with/performs under the direct supervision of the recreation/occupational/physical therapist therapeutic and diversion activities for patients.

• Answers call lights promptly and in person .

• Assists during emergency treatment situations obtaining equipment as necessary and running errands as needed.

• Assists in emergency situations including, but not limited to CPR as needed .

• Assists the nurse/MD/NP during procedures/treatments as needed following appropriate standards and guidelines.

• Completes alt required Nursing Assistant initial and annual competency requirements

• Assists the team in reinforcing educational needs with patients.

• Consistently follows the Plan of Care for each patient.

• Perform one to one observation as assigned .

• Maintains positive and constructive professional working relationships with patients, families, medical staff, volunteers, and co-workers.

• Transport patients as assigned off the unit for various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

• Follow all infection control procedures.

• Other duties as assigned.

Communication Duties:

• Consistently reports to the team leader/licensed staff observations of the patient's physical condition and behavior.

• Participates with the nursing team to provide input in the formulation and implementation of the care plan.

• Records appropriately in the medical record.

• Consistently addresses the patient. family, and staff with respect and dignity.

• Will report any suspected abuse to the appropriate licensed nurse (charge nurse, supervisor,

• manager).

• May attend interdisciplinary conferences as needed for the purpose of reporting observations of resident (patient) behavior or care.

Other Assigned Responsibilities:

• Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; .inserting and deleting text formatting letters., reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail.

• Uses various programs to access information in the Medical Center Computer System to include, but not limited to, the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) and the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).

• Follows established Medical Center, Division and Extended Care Center Program policies and procedures, rules and regulations, related to fire, disaster, security measures, computer security, and universal fluid precautions.

• Completes all required education requirements in a timely manner.

Position Title: Nursing Assistant

Work Schedule: Day: 7:00am-3:30pm; PM: 3:00pm-11:30pm; NOC: 11:00pm-7:30am

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, 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)

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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

• Pre-employment physical required

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

• Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, VA applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement,03/20/2024

Basic Requirements:

US Citizenship is required. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.).

ENGLISH: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Education or Training: Must possess one year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation

OR

Must have completed an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than 1 year as a Nursing Assistant.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE GRADE REQUIREMENTS AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GRADE LEVELS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

GS - 03: Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.

Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS - 04: Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised.

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 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:

• 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 - 05: This is the full performance level for NAs.

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

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

NOTE: Students/trainees may be appointed in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D). See Part II, Chapter 3, paragraph 5 of VA Handbook 5005.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46 (VHA Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard).

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: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing. 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. Must comply with any Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment. In the performance of duties, the incumbent may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

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.

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• Benefits

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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. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

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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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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.