The incumbent in this position is assigned to a Medical/Surgical Unit. The employee provides routine nursing care and standard procedures on a regular and continuing basis. The incumbent must complete a competency-based orientation and Annual Mandatory Review.

Duties

DIRECT PATIENT CARE/SUPPORT DUTIES With minimal supervision, participates in implementing the care plan by performing tasks delegated by and performed under the supervision, orders or directions of a licensed nurse. a. Routinely assumes and completes assignments for a variety of patients with diverse nursing care needs; provides care in a timely manner, demonstrating initiative and independence. b. Accurately performs a full range of nursing procedures utilizing appropriate and safe techniques. c. Routinely delivers complete and comprehensive care to meet the needs of activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, etc.) d. Uses the appropriate technique when providing care to patients/residents with Delirium, Dementia, or mental health related behavior (such as approach, distraction, re-direction, limit setting, etc.) e. Performs procedures timely, accurately and thoroughly, such as obtaining vital signs, weights, blood sugar checks, dressing changes, bladder scan, tube feedings, suctioning, skin checks, delivery of meal trays, etc. f. Maintains the patient bedside space in a neat, clean, safe, stocked and orderly manner. Uses supplies and equipment in an appropriate and cost-effective manner. Reports broken equipment to Charge Nurse. g. Provides a thorough hand off report to oncoming staff to assure continuity of care Introduces oncoming staff to the patient Updates white board during bedside report with name, date/day and Cisco extension number. CUSTOMER SERVICE With minimal supervision, consistently interacts with others in a mature, professional and courteous manner to facilitate the work of the organization. Adjusts to change in a pleasant manner and functions as a team member, helping the group effort where possible. a. Establishes effective relationships with patient, family and members of the health care team. Displays respect, empathy, and compassion with the patient and works in partnership with family in providing care. b. Uses therapeutic interaction with patients. Uses re-direction, distraction, allowing time, and using Dementia skills so that respectful and complete care can be provided to all assigned patients. c. Keeps patients as the priority as evidenced by responding to call lights promptly and using the" no passing zone". No passing zone is defined as not passing any activated call bed without stopping to inquire of need and rendering assistance. d. Carries and answers Cisco phone, maintaining availability to patients and coworkers. SAFETY/EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS With indirect supervision maintains a safe and clean environment. Routinely adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations and work practices. Uses proper protective equipment as required. a. Adheres to safety standards, regulations and practice for turning/ repositioning and lifting patients with use of available lifting equipment and slings and the use of 2 staff members when lifting equipment is required. b. Reports critical values immediately to the primary nurse. c. Adheres to infection control guidelines for isolation procedures, use of PPE and handwashing. d. Following recognition of an emergent situation, takes appropriate action in a calm, efficient manner (Man Down, Missing Patient, CPR, Stroke Code, Heimlich Maneuver, Fire Drill, Tornado Drill, and use of Evacusled). e. Adheres to procedures for disinfecting reusable medical equipment (RME) after each use. OBSERVATION SKILLS With minimal supervision routinely gathers information to assist in assessing the patient's physical and mental health including the patient's reaction to illness and treatment regimen. a. Gathers information to assist in the admission/transfer of assessment of patient. Enters vital signs, height, weight prior to the nursing portion of the assessment. b. Routinely observes and communicates subtle and emergent signs and symptoms reflecting the patient/resident's condition. c. Consistently recognizes and communicates the learning needs and discharge needs of the patient. d. Regularly observes potential behavioral and/or physical characteristics that may endanger the patient/resident and/or others. e. Obtains vital signs and blood sugars consistent with the scheduled time. Accurately reports/records values; reports critical values to the assigned nurse or Charge Nurse. DOCUMENTATION With minimal supervision, routinely reports and records the results of nursing observations, the nursing care provided and the patient's response to that care.

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. 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. [ ] [c.] Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. [d.] 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. GRADE REQUIREMENTS a. 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. b. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. (1) GS-3 [NA] (Entry Level) (a) Experience [and] Education [ ]. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 [NAs] are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. (2) GS-4 [NA] (a) 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, (b) 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 (c) 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 resident's 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. (d) Assignment 1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 [NAs] are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded [NAs], licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs] or other healthcare professionals. 2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded [NAs], licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs], or other healthcare professionals. (3) GS-5 [NA] (Full Performance Level) (a) 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, (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 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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for [NAs]. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. [NAs] at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.

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 Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 US
• Name: Deidra Fountain
• Phone: 919-748-1262
• Email: [email protected]