The Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA) will care for residents with acute to chronic conditions completed under close supervision by the Restorative Care Coordinator & Management with appropriate training & competencies for assigned task. Restorative Care refers to nursing interventions that promote the residents ability to adapt & adjust to living as independently & safely as possible. The position is aligned under the CLC Programs for Excellence team.

Duties

CTVHCS is in the process of making a cultural change, shifting from a disease-focused approach to a health and wellbeing approach, in order to implement the Whole Health System of Care. This is a VA-wide initiative to provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to improve healthcare delivery at all stages of Veteran care. This entails moving from an episodic, "siloed" approach to an interdisciplinary, holistic approach, emphasizing self-care in the larger context of well-being. All staff in this facility will be part of this process, shifting the focus from the question, "What's the matter with you?" to the question, "What matters to you, and how can we help you live your best life?" This strategy also involves integrating a full range of conventional approaches with Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) approaches in order to optimize lifelong health and well-being, as defined by the Veteran, rather than narrowly focusing on disease management. SCOPE The RNA will care for residents with acute to chronic conditions completed under close supervision by the Restorative Care Coordinator and Management with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task. Restorative Care refers to nursing interventions that promote the residents ability to adapt and adjust to living as independently and safely as is possible. This concept actively focuses on achieving and maintaining optimal physical mental, and psychosocial functioning. CLINICAL PRACTICE 1. Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. The RNA is technical in performing, reporting, and recording assigned nursing care, including, but not limited to: 1.1. Ability to provide a range of resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of residents. 1.2. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures including, but not limited to bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, and specimen collection. 1.3. Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. 1.4. Based on the patient's goals, reinforces patient and family health education, to include self management, prevention and wellness. 1.5. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 1.6. Measures, records vital signs and enters them in CPRS. Reports all significant deviations to the LVN, RN and/ or other health care provider immediately. 1.7. Identifies urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance and intervenes as directed when appropriate. 1.8. Performs care according to the CLC Restorative Care Program: Bowel and Bladder retraining, Bed Mobility, Ambulation and Transfers, ADL, Amputation and Prosthetic Care, ROM, Splint and Brace Care, and Restorative Dining. 1.9. Carries out the restorative care according to the plan of care for the resident. Recommends modifications and changes in the resident's restorative care plan as indicated based on observations. 1.10. Utilize interventions that assist and/or promote the residents ability to attain his or her maximum functional potential. 1.11. Participates in team conferences for planning resident care and health teaching, contributes to the plan of care, and documents information in resident's medical record following stated guidelines in nursing service policies and procedures manual. COMMUNICATION 1. Demonstrates basic skill in identifying the individual's level of understanding and teaching the client and/or significant other about the basic concepts to his/her disease process, utilizing the standards of care and documenting client's response. 2. Provides verbal and/or written information in a timely manner that is accurate, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand. COLLABORATION/COLLEGIALITY 1. Demonstrates basic communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers. 1.1. Practices good customer service in all work activities. 1.2. Displays courtesy, empathy, tact, and respect for patients, families/significant others, and hospital staff. 1.3. Remains calm in stressful situations. 1.4. Promotes personal and professional integrity in the workplace. 1.5. Uses the proper chain of command for communication. 1.6. Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism). 1.7. Promotes personal and professional integrity in the workplace. 1.8. Completes work in a timely manner. Work Schedule: 0730-1600 or 0800-1630; or a compressed tour of eight 9 hour days and one 8 hour day; occasional weekend coverage may be required Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available

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-03. 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. 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. 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-03, Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04, Nursing Assistant 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: 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-05, Nursing Assistant (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 in subparagraph (c) 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. Preferred Experience: BLS CNA Certification At least two years of long term care experience At least one year of restorative care experience Evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards, GS-0621. 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: May require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over. Walking and standing for 8 hours.

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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by the Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Department of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address VA Central Texas Health Care System 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple, TX 76504 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]