This is the full performance level for Nursing Assistant/Telemetry Technician (NA) occupation 0621 series. The NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of Veterans receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements.

Duties

The NA at this level also assumes a peer education/mentorship. The Nursing Assistant/Telemetry Technician works in the telemetry monitoring station. May also work inpatient and outpatient care areas within the medical center including, but not limited to, the Medical-Surgical unit, the Emergency Room, Acute Mental Health Unit, and the Long-Term Care Units. He/she will acquire and maintain unit base competency for each of the above areas. The duties include but are not limited to: Provides accurate observation, interpretation and documentation of patient's cardiac rhythms Demonstrates the ability to initiate appropriate actions based on his/her observation of cardiac rhythm and seeks assistance from personnel as indicated. Observing that high and low parameters are set as ordered by the physician Assure that telemetry alarms are turned on at all times Reviews orders for telemetry monitoring for individual patients as provided by RN. Observes equipment safety as required by the written instruction and reports abnormal findings in a prompt manner. Continuously monitors the cardiac function of patients on telemetry Consistently documents pertinent observations/interpretation into designated files i.e. CPRS and telemetry notebook as required. Documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner. Accurately observes and documents changes in the patient's cardiac rhythm reports changes to the Charge Nurse Assists the Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Practical Nurse in the provision of patient care by meeting the patient's nursing needs. In all patient interactions, the Nursing Assistant/Telemetry Technician respects the integrity and dignity of the individual patient. Completes basic technical nursing procedures (in accordance with classroom instruction and correct clinical technical) for providing and monitoring direct patient care typical of the assigned unit. Also, participates in therapeutic individual and group activities; observes for changes in mental and/or physical status; and demonstrates correct interventions to restore or maintain patient welfare and safety. - Provides nursing care to veterans requiring a 1:1 attendant Floats to other clinical patient care areas as needed to maintain safe patient staffing levels Provides a range of Veteran care and contributes to the completion of the nursing care plan Provides direct care for complex Veterans; assists with ADLs (bathing; toileting; ambulation; feeding; positioning; oral hygiene care). Assists in transporting/escorting Veterans to appointments, tests etc. Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e. behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and takes action accordingly within the NA's assigned role. Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. Responds appropriately to subtle patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personal - Measures and documents patient intake and output, takes vital signs, measures height and weight, reports deviations timely and accurately Recognizes the Veterans autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment Actively participates in Treatment Planning Meetings. - Utilizes equipment to promote the veteran self-care, such as; lift equipment, transfer equipment, AvaSure Telesitter monitoring, and Veteran Wandering System. Enters information about the residents' condition in the chart, utilizing appropriate formats. - Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the Veteran Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties. Responsible for maintaining PMDB training and utilizing PMDB principles and techniques when necessary. Responds to Code Red when assigned and assist as directed - Responsible for maintaining BLS and initiating and responding to emergency codes. Appropriately initiates basic life support and first aid when necessary Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and verbal Veteran information Demonstrates working practices that include adherence to infection Control Standards Consistently communicates with customers (e.g., veterans, family members, the public) in a courteous, tactful and helpful manner. Communication, both oral and/or written, is generally provided promptly and is responsive to the customer's needs. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Full-Time, Various Tours of Duty (Night shift receives 10%-night differential, 25%-weekend differential, and 35%-night and weekend differential) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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 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. Basic Life Support (BLS) 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-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. 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. 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: This position will rotate to inpatient units and must be able to function in a nursing assistant capacity as well. References: :VA Handbook 5005, Part 11, Chapter 3, Section C, Professional Standards Boards. VHA in the GS-621 series Appendix g46.Certfied Assistant Qualification Standards 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-5. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The NA must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address WG Bill Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144 US
• Name: Kimberly Gray
• Phone: (980) 401-2549
• Email: [email protected]