Nursing Assistant-Geriatrics and Extended Care

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 : Nursing Assistants (NAs) 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 : One (1) 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 for the GS-3 grade level.

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 (Entry Level) : None beyond the basic requirements. Individuals assigned at this grade level are considered to be entry level and are closely supervised.

GS-4 Nursing Assistant (Intermediate Level) : Experience : One (1) year of specialized experience ass an 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 two (2) years above high school in an accredited institution with course 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 of psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians;

AND Demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (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. GS-5 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level) : Experience : One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) 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 hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree AND Demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (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. References : VA Handbook 5005 / 81, Part II, Appendix G46 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 : This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling and pushing.

Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infectious patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don personal protective clothing in isolation situations.

The incumbent will be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations;

able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Incumbent must have an active driver's license and be able to sustain long periods of sitting and driving.

Veterans may live in poorly accessible areas that present challenges for staff. The homes may be in poor condition and present potential safety and infection control risks such as unsafe structures and invasive insects.

The incumbent may be exposed to animals, such as family pets. The incumbent may be exposed to weather such as tornadoes, rainstorms, snowstorms, ice storms, and other various weather-related elements.