This Nursing Assistant position within Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit is opened to current employees of this facility.

Duties

Nursing Assistant is responsible for the evidence-based care of a group of patients as follows: Assists the RN and other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) with providing input in the development of care plan based on the Veterans care needs. Under the direction of the RN, provides health care services to the Veteran to include, but not limited to: Foley Catheter care; obtaining the Veterans vital signs, blood glucose, or electrocardiogram (EKG); activities of daily living; and post-mortem care. The NA is responsible to report any abnormalities to the RN. Takes appropriate action, when indicated, regarding equipment safety (Wanderguard unit, crash cart, refrigerators, etc.). Communicates to appropriate staff when immediate intervention is needed for safe care. Initiates and maintains standards of cleanliness and safety in Veteran environment and exercises proper use and maintenance of equipment. Monitors Veterans risk for behaviors including, but not limited to: Elopement, wandering, suicide, fall, behavior, and pressure ulcer and taking action, when indicated, to include communicating to appropriate personnel when further intervention is needed and completing necessary documentation. Sits with patient on one-on-one (1:1) for safety as needed. Under the direction of the RN, monitor bladder and bowel functioning, tracking and reporting of I&O, and hydration. Promotes the value of Veteran-centered care to nursing staff on the Med/Surg/Tele floor. Actively seeks Veteran choice in care plan participation and goal development. Performs nursing care, as applicable to the Veteran, including all aspects of personal care and grooming. Consistently follows policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and procedures as applicable to reusable medical equipment (RME) and infection control. Observes Veterans and reports changes in Veteran behavior and condition to the unit charge nurse. Reports required information for hand-off communication to charge nurse and co-workers including to other members of the IDT and other applicable staff and departments. Completes the necessary documentation for these duties. Under the direction of the RN, educates the Veterans on their care needs as appropriate to NA skill level. Communicates with families and significant others as appropriate. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the charge nurse, assistant nurse manager (ANM), nurse manager (NM), or nursing supervisor. Completes all assigned routine documentation. Responds during emergencies, assisting during fire drills, and responding to any safety issues as they arise. Demonstrates self-direction in applying knowledge of fire, safety and disaster regulations, practices, and procedures and communicates expectations to staff. Uses proper body mechanics and safe lifting equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) that promote a safe workplace. Encourages other staff compliance with safety policies. Participates on committees or other workgroups as requested. Participates in quality improvement activities. Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Completes mandatory education requirements. Ensuring the cleanliness of rooms by emptying trash, cleaning bedside tables, and ensuring that belongings are stored appropriately. Additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 18-06 (6 shifts per pay) + 1 8 hour tour - rotating Weekends and Holidays

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: To be at least minimally qualified for the nursing assistant occupation in VA, applicants must have completed at least one of the following: General Experience: Six months general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a Nursing Assistant. Education: One year of education above high school with courses related to the nursing assistant occupation. Training: Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant (e.g., Nurse Aid Certification course) may also meet the experience requirements for GS-3. Note: If basing all or part of your qualifications on education or training, 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 (e.g., Nurse Aid Certificate) is required to verify you meet the basic education/training requirement. While not required at the time of application, documentation may be required to receive further consideration. Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard (March 12, 2015) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. GRADE DETERMINATION: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 through GS-5. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the qualification criteria outlined below must be met for each grade. To receive full consideration at the GS-4 and -5 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) described below. GS-3 - Entry Level Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 - 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 (transcripts required). 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 residents' 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 - 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 listed 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 (transcripts required). AND Demonstrated 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: 2 years Inpatient Nursing Assistant experience References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, dated May 22, 2024.

Education

IMPORTANT: If basing all or part of your basic qualifications on education or training, 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 to verify you meet the basic qualification requirements.

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.

Candidates who do not yet meet the basic education requirement but are currently enrolled in a post high school technical school, junior college, college, or university completing coursework related to the Nursing Assistant occupation, must provide proof of enrollment at the time of application.

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 Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 South Lincoln Avenue Lebanon, PA 17042 US
• Name: Tessy Wigfield
• Phone: 570-550-2889
• Email: [email protected]