Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to perform a wide range of patient care, diagnostic services, treatment, and charting activities in the acute medicine unit. The objectives for care are set in the treatment plan as established by the multidisciplinary treatment team. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to encourage patient efforts towards goals for recovery and maintains a safe environment.
Clarification from the agency
***If you are not a current, permanent federal employee, please apply to the internal announcement CBSU-12272633-24-JRS***
Duties
*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30th, 2024. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be January 24th, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. ***
- Operates Equipment and Determines Technical Factors
- Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment, instruments and monitors.
- Assists patients with setting up oxygen.
- Uses equipment properly such as vital sign machines, EKG, bladder scan, AED etc. Uses phones, patient lift equipment, and camera monitoring system/call system/panic alarm system.
- Reports equipment malfunction to senior staff and puts in a work order when appropriate.
- Recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the RN.
- Notifies RN of results and ensures original results are made part of the permanent record.
- Maintains administrative and clinical files. Orders and maintains supplies for the unit to include specialized supplies pertaining to instruments used in the unit.
- Properly stores and/or cleans equipment when testing is completed or patient is discharged.
- Maintains a therapeutic and safe ward milieu by identifying, reporting and eliminating potential hazards.
- Completes unit rounds and patient safety checks.
- Completes hazardous items checks of unit, patients, and their belongings.
- Performs one-to-one observations of patients.
- Conducts monitoring of unit and patients.
- Identifies patient at risk for suicide/self-harm, falls, disruptive behavior etc.
- Places patients in seclusion and/or restraints as directed, to ensure the safety of patient and/or staff.
- Takes emergency actions in all situations, ex: cardio-pulmonary arrests,
- Disruptive Behavior incidents, fires, disasters etc.
- Receives and directs patients, answers routine inquiries and makes referrals.
- Assists patients in contacting volunteer or social services as needed.
- Obtains release forms. Assists patients, visitors and others requesting information, guidance or referral for special assistance.
- Participates in the admission of patients by obtaining information, orienting patients to the unit and treatment team, obtaining vital signs and weight and checking patients and their belongings or hazardous items.
- Assists physicians and nurses in the care and treatment of clients receiving medical care.
- Observes, documents, and reports to the professional nurse changes in patient behavior, attitude, physical complaints, appearance, vital signs and/or changes in the patients' condition that may be related to medications, sensory distortions or medical conditions.
- Reports reactions to/responses to treatment.
- Performs direct patient support work including personal patient care.
- Delivers meals and /or snacks to patients and assists as needed.
- Encourages independence in patients by instructing, guiding and assisting patients as needed in activities of daily living.
- Accompanies/escorts patients on activities and to appointments, treatments etc. in other areas of the hospital or off hospital grounds.
- Performs a range of diagnostic support duties such as taking, recording and reporting to RN deviations in vital signs/withdrawal symptoms, collecting and labeling specimens for the laboratory.
- Makes gross visual observations and identifies subtle changes regarding patients' condition.
- Uses hot/cold packs as ordered.
- Performs standard diagnostic tests or procedures (in accordance with Nursing Procedure grid) such as removing peripheral IVs, electrocardiograms, bladder scan, venipuncture for collection of blood specimen, finger-sticks for glucose determination.
- Assists patients with adjusting simple supportive equipment.
- Assists the professional nurse and medical staff with specialized procedures: biopsy, lumbar puncture,
electroconvulsive therapy etc.
- Performs more extensive, complex procedures, ex: dressing changes, insertion of foley catheter.
- Interprets requests or instructions from medical or health care personnel.
- Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures in accordance with Nursing Procedure Grid.
- Employee understands and carries out the request made by the health care professional or seeks assistance for uncommon, unique, or new procedures.
- Provides personal patient care, and educating patients on pre-testing and post procedure activities.
- Documents patients' physical and emotional status and response to nursing interventions, using the problem oriented medical record format.
- Promotes a sense of ego integrity, self-worth and dignity by acknowledging patients' acceptable behavior and progress toward recovery.
Work Schedule: Full-time rotating shifts
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 53340O/53341O/53342O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
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.
English Language Proficiency: NA's must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
Education or Training: Must meet one of the following requirements:
One year above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
OR
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
Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on 03/12/2015 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
- Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard of 03/12/2015, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
- If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
Grade Determinations:
GS-3 NA: Entry Level
Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignments: Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.
GS-4 NA:
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:
- 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.
GS-5 NA: 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
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5.
Preferred Experience:
- 1 year of nursing assistant experience
- Prefer acute care experience, but willing to train the right candidate
Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves considerable standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and turning. It requires repositioning patients and assisting with transferring patients to wheelchairs/stretchers. Mechanical devices when available are required to be used for heavy or difficult to lift patients. The work may involve pushing or lifting weight in excess of 50 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs. The position requires visual and auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective nursing care. The position requires the nurse to work for periods of time with arms above shoulder level or with the neck in a fully flexed or extended position and the ability to physically control or protect him/herself from physically abusive patients.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- License
- 10-2850c
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12272634.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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