This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The Nursing Assistant (NA) is a member of the Rehabilitation Care Services (RCS) Team and provides assistance to the physician, nurse manager, registered nurse, and other team members during diagnostic examinations or medical treatment procedures as part of the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The NA's practice includes nursing duties and tasks to help the team evaluate and restore the Veteran patient to the highest level of independence, or maintain the highest level of functioning and comfort in the setting of chronic progressive disorders such as ALS / MS. Duties and responsibilities include: Collaborate and support co-workers, nursing staff, and other disciplines to encourage a team approach. Demonstrate customer service to coworkers, Veterans, their families, and significant others. Assist in the full range of nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital setting under the direction of a RN. Communicate orally with patient's families, interdisciplinary team, and other personnel. The ability to recognize and react to emergent patient care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. Contribute to a safe, clean, clutter-free, and therapeutic environment for patients and staff. Follow Medical Center and Nursing Service policies and procedures. Maintain privacy of patient and staff. Maintain treatment areas in a safe, orderly manner to include clean mats and tables, deliver dirty linen to appropriate area, and re-stock clean linen for clinic use. Ensure appropriate equipment is in place and ready for patient use for therapy/clinic visits. Under the supervision of the RN / LIP, perform a variety of general nursing duties including measurement and recording of vital signs, EKGs, weight, height, intake and output, simple treatments such as hot and cold packs, change clean or sterile dressings, apply external catheters, give catheter care, and administer basic Rehab Tests with demonstrated competency. Under the supervision of the RN / LIP, perform or instruct patients in learning range of motion exercise, turning and positioning, ambulation, and other routine care procedures. Clean and maintain equipment with appropriate RME disinfectant. Initiate Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation in accordance with established Medical Center policy and initiate other emergency procedures as necessary, including fire and disaster. Utilize safe body mechanics in accordance with Medical Center Policy and Procedures for Safe Patient Handling. Observe and report patient's physical and mental status, reporting unusual changes to the RN / LIP. Report information obtained from patients and or family and participate in providing care to meet Veteran's needs. Serve in a generalist role to support RCS Telehealth clinical programs including Telehealth equipment set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting to coordinate and connect staff, resources, patients, and providers in the manner effective to delivery of services, patient care, education and training. Adhere to timely maintenance of all education required in TMS, BLS, HIPPA, and Privacy training. Perform other assignments designated by the RN / LIP that are essential to the care of patients and appropriate to his/her level of training. Serve as primary or back-up scheduler for RCS. Follow all applicable laws, regulations, and policies regarding confidentiality, computer security, and software licensing, protect hardware, software, and all sensitive information (both on screen and on computer printouts). Knowledge of Universal precautions and the disposal of Hazardous Materials contaminated with bodily fluids precautions. Effective communication skills for reporting and recording pertinent information to the nursing and medical staff. Knowledge of basic human body structure, function, disease, and skill sufficient to care for patients appropriate to his/her level. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 8am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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. 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). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. (2) Quality of Experience. To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the qualification criteria outlined below must be met for each grade. GS-3 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 NA (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. AND 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 residents' 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. GS-5 NA (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 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. AND 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. Note:To receive full consideration at the GS-4 and 5 levels, you must clearly describe how you meet these KSAs in your resume; we cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Preferred Experience: State Nursing Assistant Certification. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, March 12, 2015. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: The work requires heavy lifting (over 45 pounds); straight pulling (up to 6 hours); pushing (up to 2 hours); reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 6 hours); standing (up to 2 hours); repeated bending (up to 6 hours); the ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); mental and emotional stability; and visual acuity correctable to 20/30.

Education

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If selected for this position, you are encouraged to apply for EDRP within four (4) months of appointment and must meet specific individual eligibility criteria in accordance with VHA Policy 1021. Final award amount and program start date is determined after review of a complete EDRP application, supporting documentation, and final approval by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. Please contact the EDRP Coordinators at [email protected]

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.

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.

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 Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Joe Julkowski
• Phone: 509-434-7382
• Email: [email protected]