Nursing Assistant
The Nursing Assistant assists doctors, and/or mid-levels, and nurses in the performance of diagnostic examinations by performing duties such as vital signs, height, weight, etc. The NA will report and document specific information ie., (vital signs, height, weight, finger sticks, bladder-scan) in the resident's computerized record. The NA will also listen/respond and assist in detecting fall alarms, patient concerns and completes walking rounds. The nursing assistant performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient. Performs patient careand comfort measures addressing the patient's; bio psychosocial needs, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, hydration, skin care, rehabilitation, and safety. The NA will encourage patients with self-care and promote independence. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Assists with Nursing Treatments:
The NA assists the nurse in the care and treatment of the patient. They will observe and report to the charge nurse changes in resident behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance. The nursing assistant will recognize emergency situations and intervene within scope of practice while awaiting assistance. Assist the charge nurse with dressing changes and complex procedures. Documentation:
The NA will document using CPRS, electronic medical chart. The NA will also document on tracking boards, such as walking rounds, treatment books, etc, as within scope of practice Communication:
The NA will be able to communicate to the team any concerns voiced by either the patient, family member or staff. The NA will communicate and coordinate with charge nurse any time that a patient needs to go off the floor for other services within the hospital. The NA will transport patient to and from procedures if need be. Transfers:
The NA will be able to utilize all lifting equipment to the fullest capability to assist the patient in getting in and out of bed. The NA will help educate and show other staff how to use the equipment safely and effectively. Resource:
The NA will be a resource for other NA staff members on the floor. The NA will be the preceptor for other NA's when they come to the floor. The NA will join committees (as per Nurse Manager) to help enhance their role on the floor in caring for patients. Work Schedule:
Full time; Day, evening and night tours available. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/12/2020. Basic Requirements:
Citizenship:
Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens Education or Training:
One year above high school with courses related to the NA 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. IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education English Language Proficiency:
NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Creditable
Experience:
Knowledge of Current Practice:
To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of
Experience:
To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-Time
Experience:
Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Grade Determinations:
GS-3 (Entry Level) Experience and Education:
None above the Basic Requirements Assignment:
Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. 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 (IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education); 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. Assignment:
Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs 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 NAs or other healthcare professionals. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, 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 NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 (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 (IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education); AND Demonstrated KSAs:
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. Assignment:
This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs 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. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Physical Requirements:
Heavy lifting 35 lbs., carrying, 1 hour, heavy carrying, 35 pounds and over, pushing (4 hours), reaching over shoulder, both hands required, walking (4 hours), standing (4 hours), kneeling, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish colors. Preferred
Experience:
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider preferred prior to first day of day experience in ICU or Med/Surg Units References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS3 to GS5.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Assists with Nursing Treatments:
The NA assists the nurse in the care and treatment of the patient. They will observe and report to the charge nurse changes in resident behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance. The nursing assistant will recognize emergency situations and intervene within scope of practice while awaiting assistance. Assist the charge nurse with dressing changes and complex procedures. Documentation:
The NA will document using CPRS, electronic medical chart. The NA will also document on tracking boards, such as walking rounds, treatment books, etc, as within scope of practice Communication:
The NA will be able to communicate to the team any concerns voiced by either the patient, family member or staff. The NA will communicate and coordinate with charge nurse any time that a patient needs to go off the floor for other services within the hospital. The NA will transport patient to and from procedures if need be. Transfers:
The NA will be able to utilize all lifting equipment to the fullest capability to assist the patient in getting in and out of bed. The NA will help educate and show other staff how to use the equipment safely and effectively. Resource:
The NA will be a resource for other NA staff members on the floor. The NA will be the preceptor for other NA's when they come to the floor. The NA will join committees (as per Nurse Manager) to help enhance their role on the floor in caring for patients. Work Schedule:
Full time; Day, evening and night tours available. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/12/2020. Basic Requirements:
Citizenship:
Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens Education or Training:
One year above high school with courses related to the NA 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. IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education English Language Proficiency:
NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Creditable
Experience:
Knowledge of Current Practice:
To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of
Experience:
To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-Time
Experience:
Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Grade Determinations:
GS-3 (Entry Level) Experience and Education:
None above the Basic Requirements Assignment:
Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. 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 (IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education); 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. Assignment:
Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs 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 NAs or other healthcare professionals. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, 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 NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 (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 (IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education); AND Demonstrated KSAs:
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. Assignment:
This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs 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. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Physical Requirements:
Heavy lifting 35 lbs., carrying, 1 hour, heavy carrying, 35 pounds and over, pushing (4 hours), reaching over shoulder, both hands required, walking (4 hours), standing (4 hours), kneeling, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish colors. Preferred
Experience:
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider preferred prior to first day of day experience in ICU or Med/Surg Units References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS3 to GS5.
- Department:
0621 Nursing Assistant - Salary Range:
$28,263 to $46,149 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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