The Nursing Assistant (NA) functions as a member of the Clinical Command Center Transport/Escort Team (CCC Transport/Escort Team) and assists higher graded Nursing Assistants, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team throughout the health care facility with patient transport. The CCC Transport/Escort Team is responsible for transporting patients/residents receiving outpatient, home, CLC, acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness care safely and in a timely manner.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: The NA Escort is responsible for the transportation of specimens, patients, residents, equipment, and supplies such as wheelchairs, stretchers, beds, and oxygen tanks, etc. in the outpatient and inpatient care units. The NA Escort is responsible for the delivery of patient care and services under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Advance Practice Nurse or MD/DO. Transports patients who do not require a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to transport because of their acuity category. Escort NAs will assist the RN, physician, or other qualified medical personnel in the transport of acute patients. Escort NAs may assist Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nursing/medical staff with patient transport but will not transport this category of patient without the above staff. Escort NAs may provide assistance to psychiatric nursing or medical staff with patient transport. With specialized training, escort NAs may transport low acuity psychiatric patients without assistance, always remaining 1:1 with patient at all times. Provides for the care of patients/residents with dignity and continuous consideration of the individuals emotional needs. Provides reporting, communication, and documentation in the computerized patient record system with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Maintains certification, BCLS, and currency in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, the RICVAMC, VISN and National Agencies. The Escort NA demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, specialized training to transport patients and specimens, application of technical standards and performance of administrative support duties.

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. English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistants 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 DETERMINATIONS: GS-3 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): None beyond the Basic Requirements. GS-4 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): (a) EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience as an Nursing Assistant 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 two (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: 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 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): (a) EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) 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 (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, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard, dated 03/12/2015.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-05. Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of this position include lifting, prolonged standing, frequent bending, and stooping, walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, reaching and repetitive motion. The ability to assist with transporting patients weighing more than 50lbs. Assist non-Ambulatory patients in transferring from bed, stretcher, wheelchair, and back. The environment's pace can vary from steady to a sometimes-fast interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes-intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent, sometimes intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes noisy environment. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Preferred Experience: Approximately 2-3 years of NA experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. Must be flexible, versatile, reliable, and a team player. Outstanding patient and customer service skills and bedside manner. Excellent communication skills. Practice safe lifting techniques, and assist patients in and out of beds, stretchers, and wheelchairs. Ability to work flexible tours to include weekends and holidays to accommodate patients/resident's needs. Proficient in spoken and written English language. Escort experience preferred but not required.

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 Central Virginia VA Health Care System 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249 US
• Name: Lynne Whitted
• Phone: 804-854-2581
• Email: [email protected]