The Washington VA Medical Center is recruiting for (1) Nursing Assistant (Patient Escort) position to work in the Acuter Care Service Line in Washington, DC. The Nursing Assistant provides care to residents with life-limiting illnesses and/or geriatric health care needs.. 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: 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 Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements of employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice and the Nursing Assistant (NA) experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. GS-3 Grade Determinations: Entry Level Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. .GS-4 Grade Determinations: Experience. One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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 Grade Determinations: (a) 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 (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 (transcripts required); AND (c) 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. (d) 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. Preferred Experience: One year of acute/ long term care experience. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling and pushing, (3 hours), reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (8 hours), standing (3.5 hours), kneeling (0.5 hours), repeated bending (1 hour), depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors, and hearing (aid permitted). ["A nursing assistant helps with required documentation, works with Veteran activities of daily living needs including bedside care, bathing, showering, oral care, ambulation, restorative care, recreational therapies, meals and feedings, sitting with Veterans at varied risks, and reports to the Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse. The nursing assistant will hold the responsibility of working with residents with life-limiting illnesses and/or geriatric health care needs. The selectee primary duties consist of but are not limited to: He/she documents patient's behavior and progress towards desired outcomes based on the patient's Plan of Care in the progress notes on a weekly basis. He/she observes the patients on assigned units for changes in condition based on recognition of dementia vs. psychiatric signs and symptoms. He/she applies appropriate nursing measures to decrease agitation and confusion. He/she recognizes normal and abnormal neurological symptoms and reports significant findings to the RN for follow-up according to unit guidelines. He/she reports significant changes in the patient's condition to the Unit Manager or designee and documents findings and interventions in the progress notes and the 24-hour report. Acts as a patient advocate in ensuring patients receive all necessary care in an efficient manner. He/she attends patient care conferences and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings for patient evaluation purposes and follow-up conducted by the professional staff. He/she reports pertinent information with nursing staff from the prior and on-coming tours of duty using knowledge of patient's condition and treatment plan to maintain the continuum of care. Evaluates the patient environment to ensure it is safe, clean and comfortable at all times. Takes immediate appropriate action on routine problems identified. Presents basic educational programs and information to groups of patients or staff. Identifies patients with difficulty in performing ADL and plans individualized programs in cooperation with the Registered Nurse (RN) to aid in maximizing independence. He/she also educates employees about current policies and procedures, unit goals, clinical and unit specific indicators as they relate to the work environment. Performs more complex medical nursing care treatments under the direction and supervision of the RN. Depending on assignment, these treatments may include: Pressure ulcer prevention, observation, and treatment (Stage I through Stage IV) Assist licensed staff with bladder scanning and continence training Performs 12 lead EKG tracings Implementation of intake and output (I&O) to prevent dehydration Administration of oxygen via cannula. All other duties assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, too include weekend and /or holidays. Telework: Not authorized for this position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Not authorized for this position. Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant-Acute Care-0000-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized for this position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized for this position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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