Ambulatory Care currently has an opening for a Nursing Assistant. The Nursing Assistant functions as member of the Nursing Care Team and assigned to provide care for an adult/geriatric Veteran population, ranging from the acutely ill to the chronically/terminally ill long term Veterans, including mental health Veterans. The work area may be either on a ward setting and/or with patients in transit or while in other designated places.

Duties

The primary duties of the Nursing Assistant may vary by assignment. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Provides direct care for complex Veterans; assist with ADL's; change/make hospital beds including specialized beds. Makes observations of subtle changes in Veteran's condition, i.e. behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and responds accordingly within the NA's assigned role Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. Monitors and documents patient intake and output reports deviations timely and accurately. Performs nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the Veteran. Performing and documenting prescribed medical treatment and interventions for Veterans. Recognizes the Veteran's autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment. Utilizes equipment to promote the Veteran self-care, such as lift equipment, bed alarm. Enters information about the Veteran's condition in the chart, utilizing appropriate formats. Maintains a neat and clean patient environment by properly storing personal belonging and supplies, wiping up spills and disposing of trash Collects and record vital signs including weights and pulse oximetry with documentation, in clinical records Makes rounds with visual observations regarding Veteran's condition and promptly reports any changes such as vomiting, dyspnea, fainting, pain, gait or speech disturbances, skin disorders, (ulcers or rash, etc.) to the nurse promptly. Performs simple dressing changes, measuring intake and output, managing/emptying drainage devices. Works under the direct supervision of the RN or MD/DO, providing a full range of basic nursing, therapeutic and diagnostic care. Interacts with patients, family members, professionals, and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care. Assists with admission, transfer, and discharge of patients. - Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties. Serves as the unit safe patient handling peer leader as needed. Serves as preceptor and mentor to other NA's. Orient members of the health care team to the unit as appropriate. Functions as a member of the unit base council. Serves as safety assistant as needed. Appropriately initiates basic life support, takes appropriate actions. Work Schedule: 8 & 12 Hour Tours with Weekend and Holiday Requirement, Variable Tours Telework: Not Eligible Financial Disclosure Report: NOT Required Recruitment Incentives: May be eligible for highly qualified candidates

Requirements

• 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
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel
• Cover Letter indicating specialty area of interest
• Maintaining BLS certification is a condition of employment.
• Must meet Education and other requirements of the position

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. 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. 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. Experience Requirement: GS-03 Nursing Assistant: For GS-03 Entry Level consideration: None beyond the basic requirements. Experience Requirement: GS-04 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; 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). 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. *Individuals assigned as GS-4 NA's are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised--they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NA's or other healthcare professionals. Experience Requirement: GS-05 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 (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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 the need for basic life support, controlling bleeding, and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-03 to GS-05. References: Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards, VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, dated March 12, 2015. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Preferred Experience: Certification as Nursing Assistant; Current BLS and Recent experience as a Nursing Assistant Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Handbook 5019, Part II, Paragraph 3, II-1, 1(a), A pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time individuals appointed under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 73, for Title 38 positions.

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.

Contacts

• Address Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 US
• Name: Elise Csajko
• Phone: 631-774-4216
• Email: [email protected]