Nursing Assistant- Specialty Care / Endoscopy

Nursing Assistant Position

This Nursing Assistant (NA) position will be a part of the Endoscopy team working within the Pre-Operative / Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at the Omaha VA Medical Center. The NA will be responsible for assisting in preparing patients for the operating room / Endoscopy procedures and assisting in cares in the Gastro Intestinal (GI) recovery room.

Duties include but are not limited to :

• Utilize glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for patients.
• Prepare patients for GI procedures (changing clothes, vital signs) Assisting in the GI procedure room as needed
• Escort patients to the lobby post-procedure
• Provide direct care for complex patients
• Observe subtle changes in patient's condition (behavior, mood, skin coloring, etc.)
• Monitor and document patient intake and output
• Utilize equipment to promote patient self-care, such as lift equipment.
• Update treatment team with patient's condition and plan of care, participating in treatment team meetings
• Serve as preceptor and mentor to other NAs
• Orient members of the health care team to the unit as appropriate
• Manage disruptive patient behavior and intervene and request assistance appropriately
• Initiate basic life support

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 3 : 30 p.m.

Pay : Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Paid Time Off : 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).

Parental Leave : After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy : After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.

Insurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

Telework : Not available.

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not authorized.

Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) : This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Funding is limited; therefore, applications will be approved on a first-come basis.

Nebraska-Western Iowa VA Health Care System is part of the VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23). The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment :

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 :

Grade Determinations :

In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade.

The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

GS-03 - None beyond the basic requirements.

NAs at this grade are considered entry-level and are closely supervised.

GS-04 - To qualify at the GS-4 level you must meet the following :

EXPERIENCE : One (1) year of experience as a Nursing Assistant or 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 two (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, in addition you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) :

GS-05 - To qualify at the GS-5 level you must meet the following :

EXPERIENCE : One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and