Nursing Assistant Medical/surgical Unit

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Harrison
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

SummaryThe Ft. Harrison VA Hospital is currently recruiting for the position of Nursing Assistant at the GS-3/4/5 located in the Medical/Surgical Unit.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverviewAccepting applicationsOpen & closing dates04/15/2022 to 05/26/2022Salary$32,916 - $53,741 per yearPay scale & gradeGS 00 - 5HelpLocation1 vacancy in the following location:Fort Harrison, MT1 vacancyTelework eligibleNoTravel RequiredOccasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.Relocation expenses reimbursedNoAppointment typePermanentWork scheduleFull-timeServiceExceptedPromotion potential5Job family (Series)0621 Nursing AssistantSupervisory statusNoSecurity clearanceOtherDrug testYesPosition sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskTrust determination processSuitability/FitnessAnnouncement numberCBSU-11464716-22-NSControl number649243900HelpThis job is open toFederal employees - Excepted serviceCurrent excepted service federal employees.Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.Clarification from the agencyThis job announcement is open to current, permanent employees of the Montana VA Health Care System and Department of Veterans Affairs employees only.VideosHelpDutiesThe incumbent practices as a Nursing Assistant (NA) within Inpatient Nursing Services of Montana VA Medical Center. This area serves adult and elderly Veterans. Patients often present with multiple chronic medical conditions, mental illness, or need pre- and post-operative care. The NA is responsible for the delivery of selected nursing activities to patients experiencing a variety of alterations in their physical, behavioral, acute and/or chronic psychiatric illnesses/substance dependency problems. This person will possess excellent communication and team building knowledge and skills. Basic Life Support (BLS) required for NAs per policy and NA certification is preferred. As needs for cross-training are identified, orientation and checklists will be provided and completed. Per Veterans Affairs handbook 5005-81 a GS-5 NA is the full performance level. 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. Major duties are but not limited to...: Will complete below functions and responsibilities within assigned unit: - Adheres to VA and Nursing policies, procedures, and standards. - Delivers care to patients in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. - Maintains patient privacy/confidentiality and patient rights to privacy/confidentiality. - Sets limits within the Nursing Assistant/patient relationship, which are clearly defined. - Participates in selected Continuous Improvement (CI) activities as directed. Related to stages of adult development: - Describes relationship of developmental stages to provision of nursing care. - Identifies selected developmental tasks, related stages of adult development and approximate age range of each stage. - Provides input to RN related to patient's stage of adult development. - Provides care to patients in a variety of stages of adult development. Supports the health care team through the reinforcement of patient education. Safely performs the following functions: - Provides routine hygienic/activities of daily living care. - Performs actions targeted to the maintenance/restoration of skin integrity. - Collects patient specimens. - Administers a variety of comfort measures. - Takes vital signs after completion of orientation and competency validation. - Follows seizure precautions as directed. - Transports patients with oxygen. - Appropriately uses protective/restraining devices. - Feeds patients orally including those who are at risk for aspiration, after appropriate training. - Uses therapeutic cushions appropriately. Reports situations including: - Changes in behavior - Wandering - Sundowning - Sleep disturbances - Inappropriate sexual behavior - Aggressive behavior - Hallucinations (visual/auditory) - Incontinence - Swallowing problems - Vital signs Work Schedule: Varied days (7:30 am - 8:00 pm) and nights (7:30 pm - 8:00 am), weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized. Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:54116-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.HelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentYou 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. QualificationsApplicants 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 Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the [NA] 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistant's must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard 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 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. Knowledge of Current Practice: To be creditable,the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of Experience: To be creditable, [NA] experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 Education and Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Education and 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. 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: - 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. Preferred Experience: Basic Life Support, BLS certification upon hire and at least one year acute care experience. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-3 to a GS-5. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over, Heavy Carrying 45 pounds and over, Straight pulling (2-6 hours), Pushing (2-6 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (5-9 hours), Standing (4-8 hours), Kneeling (1-2 hours), Repeated bending (2-4 hours), Climbing, legs only (1-2 hours), Twisting (2-4 hours).EducationIMPORTANT: 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Additional informationReceiving Service Credit or 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 employee's 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. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a VA job announcement includes language requiring applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply to this Job Announcement. VA may request information regarding your vaccination status, if selected, for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.Read moreHelpA 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 benefitsEligibility 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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou 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, r--sum--, 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. 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.HelpA 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 benefitsEligibility 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.As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU USE THE FEDERAL RESUME BUILDER ON USA JOBS AS IT PROMPTS YOU TO ADD REQUIRED INFOMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINATION ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS. 1. CV or Resume: Resume must include your, position title, grade, how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the name and address of the employer, job title, detailed description of job duties, beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. (Required). 2. SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action - Must include latest SF-50 showing grade, step and salary. (Award SF-50s will not be accepted due to the grade step and salary missing.) (Required). 3. Transcripts Can be official or Unofficial Transcripts must include your name, the school's entire name, can be unofficial transcripts, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, (if applicable), (name of degree received, (if applicable). (Required) 4. Certification as a Nursing Assistant if you have it, (Required if applicable.) 5. VA Form 10-2850 VA Form 10-2850c an be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.(Not required but if selected will be required to complete it.) (Not required to be uploaded). 6. Optional Form 306 - Declaration for Federal Employment (Available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of030pdf ). (Not required but if selected will be required to complete it.) (Not required to be uploaded). 7. Optional cover letter. (Not required but desired).

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Billings , Nursing Assistant Medical/surgical Unit, Healthcare , Harrison, Montana