Nursing Assistant - Float Pool

Job Posting : Nursing Assistant

This Nursing Assistant position in the Float Pool unit is located at the Lebanon, PA VAMC. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. Responsibilities include assisting the RN, licensed practical nurse (LPN), and other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) with providing input in the development of care plan based on the Veterans' care needs. This includes attending IDT meetings and contributing to the IDT. Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the Veteran and monitoring the Veteran's condition. Performs nursing care, as applicable to the Veteran, including all aspects of personal care and grooming. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, monitor bladder and bowel functioning, tracking of I&O and hydration. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, provides health care services to the Veteran to include Foley catheter insertion / discontinuation / care; obtaining the Veteran's vital signs, blood glucose, or electrocardiogram (EKG); activities of daily living; and post mortem care. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, monitor psychiatric symptoms, assisting in medical and psychiatric emergencies. Maintain patient safety and the safety of the environment. Provide one-to-one observations to ensure patient safety. The NA float can work in multiple areas including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Department (ED), Ambulatory Surgical Unit (ASU) / Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Medical / Surgical / Telemetry (Med / Surg / Tele), Short Stay Rehabilitation, Nursing Home, Hospice, Inpatient Acute Psychiatry Unit, Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Program (RRTP), or outpatient clinics, and must maintain competencies in all areas. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedules : 3 : 00pm-11 : 00pm with rotation including weekends and holidays 11 : 00pm-7 : 00am rotation including weekends and holidays Telework : Not Available Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Requirements 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. Subject to background / security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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. Experience or Education or Training. (1) Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR, (2) One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR, (3) Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. 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 for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 Nursing Assistant (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Nursing Assistant (a) 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, (b) Education. Successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, healthcare 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 : i Ability to provide a range of patient / resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients / residents. ii Ability to observe patients / residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and / or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. iii 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. iv Ability to communicate effectively with patients / residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5 Nursing Assistant (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, 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 (c) Demonstrated KSAs. i 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. ii 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. iii 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 : At least two years nursing assistant experience preferred. Inpatient or Long Term Care experience a plus.

Additional Information Receiving 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.