Summary

This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) dedicated to fill nursing assistant positions within the 1N unit dedicated to the expansion of the community living centers (CLC). This OCA may also be used to fill vacant positions throughout the Richmond VA Medical Center and its healthcare centers. Resumes will be referred to hiring managers as the vacancy occurs. You will receive an email notification when your resume has been referred for a vacancy.

Qualifications

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
• [Experience or] Education or Training: Six months of general experience
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA
• OR - one year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation
• OR - completion of an intensive - specialized - occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. 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-5 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): (a) EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs) that are directly related to the specific assignment
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below
• OR - (b) 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* AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (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
• References: VA Handbook 5005/81 - Part II - Appendix - G46 - Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard - dated 03/12/2015
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 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 and objects may be required
• Mechanical patient lifts are provided and are to be used to preserve patient and staff safety
• 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
• Must complete annual Employee Health requirements - such as annual TB screening or testing - as a condition of employment
• Lifting/carrying 45 lbs
• or more
• Standing
• Sitting
• Walking
• Kneeling
• Bending/Stooping
• Twisting
• Pushing/pulling - Both legs required
• Simple grasping
• Use of fingers - Both hands required
• Fine manipulation (includes keyboarding)
• Reaching above shoulders
• Near vision correctable at 1316" to Jaeger 1 to 4 - Far vision correction in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Ability to distinguish shades of colors
• Hearing whispered voice (with or without aid)
• Emotional/mental stability
• Walking on slippery or uneven walking surfaces
• Working with hands in water
• Working closely with others
• and Protracted or irregular hours of work.

Duties

• The Long-Term Care/Memory Care (LTC) Nursing Assistant is administratively responsible and accountable to the Nurse Manager - LTC neighborhood
• Liberty Lodge (Unit 1N) is a 10-bed residential secured unit designated to provide 24 hours a day skilled nursing care - rehabilitation care - restorative care - long term care - memory care (dementia care) and palliative care for our adult and geriatric Veteran population
• The CLC NA is responsible for but not limited to completing activities of daily living (bathing - toileting - dressing - and grooming) - 1:1 supervision when needed - the reporting of abnormal findings - accompanying to appointments - and engaging residents in activities
• These employees are essential to the enhancement and maintaining of the quality of life for aging and cognitively impaired veterans
• Major duties and responsibilities may include - but are not limited to: The incumbent must be able to perform with skill and effectiveness all duties associated with nursing assistant work under the supervision of the Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse
• Measuring vital signs (to include temperature - pulse - respiration - pulse oximetry - blood pressure - weights and pain measurement)
• Proficient with chart documentation - direct patient care duties - patient and family teaching - and patient safety duties
• Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort - spirit and recovery of the patient
• Records treatments and observations in the electronic patient record
• Recognizes and reports to the RN or provider any significant physical - emotional or behavioral changes in the patient
• Ensures proper specimen collection to include labeling according to policy - handling and delivery to the laboratory
• Transports patients and specimens to required destinations and prepares for and assists with examinations - diagnostic and therapeutic tests according to written procedures and policies
• Assists with therapeutic treatment techniques to include conducting groups - 1:1 observations - the proper use of restraints - aseptic and deescalating techniques
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Enter information into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)
• Documents vital signs - treatments - procedures - and cardiac rhythm interpretations performed in CPRS
• Practices excellent customer service in all work activities
• poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational - ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with the health care team - patients - families and or significant others utilizing learned communication skills
• Work Schedule: Day - Evening and Night Shifts available
• Weekend and holiday rotation required Telework: Not Authorized 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