The Organizational Location of the Position is: This position is location in Nursing Service (Patient Care Services) within VANTHCS Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Basic Requirements - 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. 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 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. GS-05 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 Nursing Assistants 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. Preferred Experience: Direct Patient Care Experience in hospital setting (within last 2-3 years) Current Critical Care Nursing Assistant Experience within last 2 years Telemetry/12 Lead EKG experience 2-5 years of current Monitor Technician experience Monitor tech certification 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: Lifting up to 35 lbs for 8-12 hours, intermittently, moderate carrying (15-35 lbs) for 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, lifting over 35 lbs with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care, pulling for 8 to 12 hrs, intermittently, pushing for 8-12 hrs, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8-12 hrs, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8-12 hrs, intermittently, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8 to 12 hrs, intermittently, repeated bending for 8- 12 hrs, intermittently, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hrs, intermittently, 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, hearing aid permitted, twisting, simply grasp and fine manipulation ["Major Duties but not limited to: The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-03 is the entry-level nursing position. The Nursing Assistant for the Central Monitor Unit (CMU) will operate instruments/equipment used to record electrocardiograms for continuous heart monitoring and scanning. 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. The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-04 is considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and is closely supervised. The Nursing Assistant for the Central Monitor Unit (CMU) will operate instruments/equipment used to record electrocardiograms for continuous heart monitoring and scanning. 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. The Nursing Assistant (NA) GS-05 is considered to be the full performance level for NAs. The Nursing Assistant for the Central Monitor Unit (CMU) will operate instruments/equipment used to record electrocardiograms for continuous heart monitoring and scanning. 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: 1. The appropriate supplies such paper strips, batteries, telemetry boxes etc. are adequately stocked. 2. Timely identifies and reports dysrhythmias to the assigned nurse via Vocera/ telephone. Provide appropriate documentation of the dysrhythmias for records and tracking in the event of sentinel occurrence. 3. Demonstrating skill/knowledge/ability to perform treatments, procedures and the use and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment (i.e. telemetry boxes) appropriate to assigned duties. 4. Accurately and timely records all patient telemetry monitoring data into the medical records. 5. Actively participates in interdisciplinary team planning sessions by offering observations and suggestions. 6. Ensure the primary admissions RN identify the initial rhythm of patient upon admission to the med/surg telemetry unit. 7. Demonstrates flexibility by willingly and promptly accepting changes in work assignment during supervision of the CMU. 8. Articulates the mission, vision, and values of the Department of Veteran Affairs that reflect positively on the VA to patients, staff, students and visitors. 9. Staff member demonstrates adherence to VA and Nursing policies/procedures and standards and maintains competencies consistent with role responsibilities. 10. Maintains professional ethics and conduct with patient and staff. 11. Provide for the security and privacy of the veteran and privileged information for the purpose of ensuring veteran's right to privacy. Work Schedule: Full-Time, 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 a.m; May be required to work other shifts, be on call, work weekends and/or holidays as patient care and needs of the service require. Should operational needs dictate, candidates must be willing to work within other units (including community based outpatient clinics, for example) to assist and support continuation of the provision of care. 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"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.