**This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 21, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates every 2 weeks. Eligible applications received after that date will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.** 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. 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. 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. 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). Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Nursing Assistant. 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). 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 Nursing Assistant (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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs 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, Nursing Assistant Qualifications Standard, GS-621 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: Duties require extensive period of standing, sitting and walking. Working with patients requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching and similar activities. The employee provides physical restraints for confused or combative patients as necessary. The nursing assistant must be physically able to lift to meet the physical standards of the position as evaluated by Employee Health. ["The Nursing Assistant serves as a member of a nursing team and is responsible for providing physical care for and/or assistance to patients including: bathing, showering, shaving, grooming, feeding, ambulating, weighing, positioning patients with prescribed physical limitations; maintains appropriate skin care precautions. Incumbent is clinically and administratively responsible to the Nurse Manager of the unit/ward assigned. Major duties Include but not limited to: Assists with admissions, transfers, discharges, postmortem care and nursing care procedures specific to the ward. Observes critically ill postoperative patients who have had anesthetics and/or medical patients who require constant observation. Is alert for changes in vital signs which indicate bleeding, respiratory distress, and level of consciousness. Independently performs 12 lead EKG. Uses skills and knowledge of basic normal versus abnormal vital signs to adapt patient care activities, and takes and records vital signs and intakes and output and empty drains. Teaches and guides patients in the development of cleanliness and sound health practices in all aspects of daily living. Feed and assists patient during meals. Observes aspiration precautions. Is alert to special dietary needs and takes action according to the patient's diagnosis and behavior. Supports and reinforces diet instruction such as given to diabetics and others on special diets and restrictions. Uses knowledge of individual special interest and skills in guiding and motivating the patient. Assists in performing selected rehabilitation techniques such as range of motion, speech retraining, with the ultimate goal of patients return to active community living. Adheres to Close Observation I Suicide Precaution Policy and Procedures when caring for patients who are deemed high risk and observes Infection Control Policies and Procedures. Carries out special treatments and assists with procedures including follow-up care and observation. Gives meaningful instructions and explanations to patient regarding purposes of special diagnostic tests and procedures. Administers treatments such as bowel care; reinforces instruction in colostomy irrigation, postoperative bladder irrigation, selected surgical dressings; performs bladder catheterizations; administers selected wound irrigations, nasogastric, gastrostomy, jejunostomy tube feedings and gavage; performs nasotrachealor tracheal suctioning and instructs tracheostomized patients; works closely with members of other services to provide continuity of care, and provide tracheostomy care under the direction of the professional nurse. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday with rotating weekends/holidays with flexibility to meet patient needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation or Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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