Job Summary

The Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. 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. Performs activities of daily living and provides a range of care. **This is a temporary position**

Job Description

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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: 1) Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR, 2) One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR 3) 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 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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. 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 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) (a) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments: GS-3 Nursing Assistants (NAs) are considered entry-level and work under close supervision. GS-4 Nursing Assistant(a) Experience: One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or in another medical field (such as Licensed Practical Nurse, Health Technician, Hospital Corpsman). Experience must include performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of physical and emotional patient states, therapeutic communication, and skills needed for basic and intermediate treatments; OR (b) Education: Successful completion of two years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care, or a field appropriate to the position (such as psychology, psychiatric technician, or operating room technology); AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to provide a range of patient or resident care and contribute to the completion of the nursing care plan and patient recovery. Ability to observe physical and emotional status and report changes or problems to a supervisor in a timely manner. Ability to properly use equipment, materials, and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures (bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection, etc.). Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, families, and other health professionals. (d) Assignment:GS-4 NAs serve at the intermediate or developmental level under close supervision. They function as members of the nursing care team, assisting higher-graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other team members in caring for patients receiving outpatient, home, community living, acute, sub-acute, or chronic care. They provide care under close supervision and refer questions or issues to supervisors or other health care professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience: One year of progressively responsible assignments equivalent to the GS-4 level demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below; OR (b) Education: Successful completion of four years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that includes 24 semester hours of health care-related coursework, or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND (c) Demonstrated KSAs: Ability to assist with the full range of nursing care for patients or residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in hospital, long-term care, or outpatient settings under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary teams, and other personnel, including serving as a preceptor to new NAs by coordinating orientation and assessing practical experience in clinical settings. Ability to recognize and respond to emergent patient or resident care situations (e.g., need for basic life support, controlling bleeding, assisting during behavioral crises) while awaiting assistance. (d) Assignment: This is the full performance level. GS-5 NAs function as members of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in caring for patients receiving outpatient, home, community living, acute, sub-acute, or chronic care. Assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs ranging from predictable to unpredictable. NAs at this grade also assume peer education and mentorship responsibilities. Preferred Experience: Two years recent history working in LTC setting. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.