Nursing Assistant

Summary

These Nursing Assistant positions are in Nursing services at the Boston VA Healthcare Systems located at the Brockton MA, Jamaica Plain MA, West Roxbury MA locations. These positions are full time or part time at up to 40 hours per week.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

03/14/2024 to 09/30/2024

• Salary

$39,966 - $65,248 per year

Salary Range is GS 03 Step 1 to GS 05 Step 10

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

• Help

Locations

• Brockton, MA

• Jamaica Plain, MA

• West Roxbury, MA

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -

• Work schedule

Multiple Schedules -

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

00

• 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

CBTD-12353950-24-CD

• Control number

781766800

Help

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Current permanent employees of the Boston VA Healthcare System including permanent Veterans Canteen Service employees, current permanent full-time Hybrid Title 38 and permanent full-time Title 38 employees.

Help

Duties

The incumbent serves as a Nursing Assistant in Nursing Service. The position is located at the VA Boston Healthcare System. The incumbent performs duties related to the direct functions related to the treatment of the patient on the wards/specialty care areas, as directed. The incumbent will interface with personal computer (PC) applications as well as numerous VISTA applications. Duties and responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant include but are not limited to:

• Reports patient observations to the Registered Nurse and other members of the treatment team.

• Organizes and obtains routine supplies and equipment

• Provides complete personal hygiene care needs, turns and positions patients to maintain proper body alignment, lifts, ambulates and transfers patients.

• Promotes the physical independence of the patient by encouraging and teaching individual patients and groups of patients in self-care activities, such as progressive steps in personal hygiene, bathing, and oral care, also assists in teaching and encouraging other care activities such as eating, dressing, undressing, and other training as needed.

• Participates in the admission of patients by providing secure, reassuring milieu, orienting patients to the unit, checking them for contraband when indicated and assisting the registered nurse in implementing the nursing admission procedure.

• Functions as the "sitter" for patients who need close observations. Sitter assignments include providing personal hygiene, feeding, elimination, and intake and output and the prevention of patient injury.

• Performs assigned technical procedures but not limited to: taking and recording blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, pulse oximetry, height, weight, collecting specimens, and administering oxygen using tank and or wall oxygen.

• Records vital signs, procedures, and nursing care in the patients' electronic medical record.

• Practices techniques and principles of medical asepsis and infection prevention, e.g. hand hygiene, persona protective equipment and reusable medical equipment.

• Monitors stock levels and maintains inventory by working closely with Central Distribution Department.

• Performs environmental duties to ensure the safety of self, patients and coworkers.

Work Schedule: Full time and Part Time various shifts with weekend and holiday coverage

Compressed/Flexible Work Schedule: Not Authorized

Telework: Not available.Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: FS02834/FS02835/FS02836

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

NOTIFICATIONS:

• These positions are in the Excepted Service.

• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

• These positions are Bargaining Unit.

• These positions are covered by a special rate.

• May be required to travel to other VA Boston campuses and CBOC's.

• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) will be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Help

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.

• Selectee may be required to work at any Boston Healthcare campus, as needed.

Qualifications

Applicants should be fully qualified by the close of this announcement. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

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

GS-4 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 (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. At this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded, 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 or other healthcare professionals.

2.In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded, 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, or other healthcare 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 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 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 Nursing Assistants. 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. At this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.

References: VA Handbook 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46.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: 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. Transferring patients with assistance and transferring of 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. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 Medical Center.

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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Read more

• Benefits

Help

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.

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.

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.