Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistant

Fitchburg, MA

Duties:

Nursing Assistants perform a range of nursing care activities while assigned to the acute or sub-acute psychiatric units, or the Long-Term/Short Stay Rehabilitative unit. In addition to performing activities of daily living and documentation, the Nursing Assistant demonstrates an understanding of each member of the interdisciplinary team's role and appropriately communicates with members to promote positive outcomes as well as:

Escorting patients/residents safely both on and off station Is able to follow standard precautions and other infection control protocols as needed. Demonstrates knowledge of basic health care provider skills. Provides 1:1 or Safety Sitter nursing care to patients/residents who may require restraints or special observation. Understands patient's/resident's rights and responsibilities. Maintains a safe, secure environment for patients/residents staff, significant others, and visitors as addressed in the VAMC Safety Manual. Provides comprehensive physical care to patients/residents. Motivating patients/residents towards optimal level of functioning.

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Work Schedule: Multiple Shifts Available

Functional Statement Title/#: Nursing Assistant-GS-3; Nursing Assistant-GS-4; Nursing Assistant-GS-5

Summary

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.

Qualifications & Evaluations

Basic Requirements:

U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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 [basic] experience requirements.

Preferred Experience:

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.

Grade Determinations:

GS-3

Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

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; 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.

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 [NAs] 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment .

NOTE: 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. The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will recommend the grade and salary for new appointments. For internal selectees being promoted, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

Benefits & Other Info

VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp .

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave : Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.