The nursing assistant/virtual monitoring technician (NA-VMT) position is in nursing services at the VA Boston Healthcare system, located at the West Roxbury location. This position is open for all shifts, full-time positions at 40+ per week.

Duties

The incumbent serves as a Nursing Assistant/Virtual Monitoring Technician (NA-VMT) in the Nursing Service. The position is located at the VA Boston Healthcare System. The incumbent performs duties related to the direct functions related to the treatment of the patient on the wards/specialty care areas, as directed that also include remote monitoring of patients. The incumbent will interface with personal computer (PC) applications as well as numerous VISTA applications and the nursing observation & virtual assistant (NOVA)system. Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the Video Monitoring (VM) software and maintains visual observation on the patient at all times. The NA/VMT redirects the patient over a digital 2-way audio device that is in the patient room. The NA/VMT is capable of continuous monitoring of up to 12 patients on a screen from a secure location. The incumbent performs duties related to the direct functions related to the treatment of the patient on the wards/specialty care areas, as directed. The incumbent will interface with personal computer (PC) applications as well as numerous VISTA applications. Immediately summons the nursing staff on the appropriate ward if the patient requires assistance through multiple modes of communication via the use of the Vocera phone and along with the patient alarms on the NOVA system. Ensure proper placement of the console, properly enroll, dis-enroll and document on each patient Duties and responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant include but are not limited to: Reports patient observations to the Registered Nurse and other members of the treatment team. Organizes and obtains routine supplies and equipment Provides complete personal hygiene care needs, turns and positions patients to maintain proper body alignment, lifts, ambulates and transfers patients. Promotes the physical independence of the patient by encouraging and teaching individual patients and groups of patients in self-care activities, such as progressive steps in personal hygiene, bathing, and oral care, also assists in teaching and encouraging other care activities such as eating, dressing, undressing, and other training as needed. Participates in the admission of patients by providing secure, reassuring milieu, orienting patients to the unit, checking them for contraband when indicated and assisting the registered nurse in implementing the nursing admission procedure. Functions as the "sitter" for patients who need close observations. Sitter assignments include providing personal hygiene, feeding, elimination, and intake and output and the prevention of patient injury. Performs assigned technical procedures but not limited to: taking and recording blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, pulse oximetry, height, weight, collecting specimens, and administering oxygen using tank and or wall oxygen. Records vital signs, procedures, and nursing care in the patients' electronic medical record. Practices techniques and principles of medical asepsis and infection prevention, e.g. hand hygiene, persona protective equipment and reusable medical equipment. Monitors stock levels and maintains inventory by working closely with Central Distribution Department. Performs environmental duties to ensure the safety of self, patients and coworkers. Work Schedule: Days-Evenings-Nights to include rotation to weekend and holidays Compressed/Flexible:May be available at supervisory discretion Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-03: F2834, GS-04: F2835. GS-05:F2836 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. 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. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. 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). 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: [(1)] 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. [(2)] 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. Grade Determinations: GS-3 [NA] (Entry Level) (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 [NA] (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, 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 (c) 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. (d) Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 [NAs] are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded [NAs], licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team 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 significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs] or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded [NAs], licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs], or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 [NA] (Full Performance Level)(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; AND (c) Demonstrated 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. (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. References: See VA Handbook 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46 dated March 12th, 2015 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

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.

IMPORTANT: 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.

Contacts

• Address VA Boston Healthcare System 940 Belmont Street Brockton, MA 02301 US
• Name: Steven Laudenbach
• Phone: (603) 624-4366 X5078
• Email: [email protected]