The VA Central Iowa Health Care System provides a full continuum of care between the Des Moines campus and our Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and is one of the Medical Centers that make up the VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23). Employee selected may be expected to perform duties at other duty sites within VA Central Iowa Health Care System based on the needs of the organization.

Duties

The Central Iowa Health Care System is recruiting for Nursing Assistant positions on the for the Des Moines, and Knoxville locations. The Home Health Aide/Homemaker (HHA/HMKR) provides direct patient care to patients in the home setting who require assistance with ADLs and IADLs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, light housekeeping duties, and meal preparation. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the HHA/HMKR is accountable for adhering to the standards of care, standards of practice and maintaining competencies with role and responsibility, while adhering to VACIHCS policies and procedures. Duties of this position are, but not limited to: Provide assistance of simple/light housekeeping tasks and simple/light meal preparation. May be asked to dust, vacuum, sweep, straighten up, wash dishes, clean the bathroom and kitchen, do laundry, dispose of trash, and change linens. Uses cleaning materials and methods that are acceptable to and approved by the Veteran and/or caregiver and returns cleaning materials and equipment to closets or storage and does not leave them around the home. Assisting medical personnel in the care or treatment of Veterans with diverse conditions/diagnoses. Preparing, ambulating, transporting, and positioning Veterans with use of equipmentin the Veteran's home. Providing a variety of personal care including but not limited to bathing, shaving, dressing, grooming, feeding, incontinence care, trimming nails, range of motion, and ambulation of Veterans in the Veteran's home. Performing a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the Veteran. Recognizes and reports obvious changes in Veteran's condition to the supervising RN. Accurately documentsVeteran information on Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS) note templates. Provides Veteran information to the accountable RN for inclusion in the Veteran's plan of care. Completes assignments, reports to the accountable RN when assignment has been completed, or when unable to complete duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30-16:00 or 8:00-16:30 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Recruitment Incentives: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment/Relocation incentive of up to $4,000 authorized for eligible, highly qualified applicants. A service agreement is required for all relocation incentives. 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. Physical requirements: This position requires some degree of fitness, strength, and agility. Nursing Assistants may be required to position a patient in bed or transport a patient. Nursing Assistants must also have strength to pull and push; stand for long periods of time (8-12 hours); lift moderately heavy objects with assistive devices; walking, bending, kneeling, twisting, and reaching above shoulders. Visual and auditory acuity is required (correctable with glasses/hearing devices) to perform assessments, monitor equipment, collect data, etc. Fine motor skills are required to grasp and control medical equipment and perform precise procedures.

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Note: A copy of college transcripts showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the NA occupation, or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant (e.g., Nurse Aid Certificate) is required at the time of application. Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard (March 12, 2015) 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. GRADE DETERMINATION: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 through GS-5. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the qualification criteria outlined below must be met for each grade. To receive full consideration at the GS-4 and -5 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) described below. GS-3 - Entry Level Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 - Developmental Level 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 (transcripts required). AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 - Full Performance Level 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 listed 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 (transcripts required). AND Demonstrated 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

Education

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.

IMPORTANT: This position has a positive education or training requirement. An unofficial copy of college transcripts showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the Nursing Assistant occupation or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant is required at the time of application. If basing your qualifications on education at the GS-4 or-5 levels, you must submit a copy of all relevant transcripts with your application. You do not need to submit an official copy; however, your submitted transcript must include your name, name of school, name of program, total credits completed, date degree/certificate conferred. Your transcript will be reviewed for relevant coursework; therefore, the copy you submit must be legible.

Contacts

• Address VA Central Iowa Health Care System 3600 30th St Des Moines, IA 50310 US
• Name: Rhonda O'Hara
• Phone: 701-239-3700 X3653
• Email: Rhonda.O'[email protected]