This is an open and continuous announcement intended for current and future vacancies at the locations listed. This announcement will remain open until the closing date of 4/15/2022, the date beyond which the system no longer accepts applications for an advertised position. The application cut-off date is 3/16/2022. After 3/16/2022, applications will be reviewed and referred at regular intervals based on the needs of the facility. 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: 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. English Language Proficiency. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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-5 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 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. IMPORTANT: For all grades you must submit verification of Education or Training that demonstrates: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation or 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. Failure to submit the appropriate supporting documentation with application may result in loss of consideration under this announcement. References: VA Handbook 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46 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-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: Work involves varying periods of sitting, standing and walking. Working with Veterans/residents requires bending, stooping, teaching, lifting, balancing, kneeling, pushing, i.e., wheelchairs, geri-chairs, litters and similar activities. Also, it may be necessary to perform such activities as CPR and psychiatric intervention at a unit-specific level. ["This announcement is intended to fill current and future vacancies under various service lines at the Togus VA Medical Center. The presence of a location does not necessarily indicate a current vacancy. Available shifts could be days, evenings, nights, or include weekends/holidays to cover shortages or high patient volume. Shift changes will be considered based on patient and facility needs. Unit assignments may include: Community Living Center Emergency Intensive Care/Special Care Unit Mental Health Primary Care Sensory and Rehab Nursing Assistants 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 or other healthcare professionals. Depending on grade and assignment duties may include but are not limited to: Under the direction of the RN the NA provides care to acutely ill patients including baths, personal hygiene, nutrition/feeding, elimination, intake and output. Including assisting with all activities of daily living (ADL). Under the direction of the RN the NA may initiate and assist with CPR per hospital policy. Practices under the model of Patient Centered Care while exhibiting the ICARE values. Maintains full patient confidentiality. Participates in the admission, transfer and discharge of patients. Prepares patient care rooms for admissions or transfers. Assists with removing patient specific items from the room at discharge. Performs active and passive range of motion exercises. Supports and assists patient with turning, moving, or transferring from bed to chair, commode etc. The NA will maintain competency and utilize lift equipment to practice safe patient handling. Assists with postmortem care of the body after death and transport of the body to the morgue. Performs assigned clinical procedures, such as; application of External Urinary Device's (EUD) and colostomy bags, unsterile soaks and compresses, hot and cold applications, elastic hose, binders, bladder scanning, and oral suctioning. Performs assigned technical procedures, such as blood glucose monitoring and quality controls, EKG's, taking and recording blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height, weight, incentive spirometer, collecting specimens, such as expectorated sputum, feces, urine-voided midstream and drainage collection bag. Documents vital signs, nursing care and belongings inventory list in the electronic medical record and on appropriate flow sheet. Practices techniques and principles of medical asepsis and infection control, (e.g., hand hygiene), care of linen, transmission precautions, etc. Must be aware of and actively practice principles of universal precautions. Assists the physician or nurse with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. As directed provides assistance with transporting patients that are not critically ill independently from tests, procedures and appointments. Provides care for behavioral ill or restrained patients, to include but not limited to, those who are: suicidal, homicidal, interfere with medical devices, confused, have poor judgment or require 1:1 monitoring. Assignments may include restraint monitoring, safety monitoring and/or require physical checks every 15 minutes. Performs duties required of video monitoring patients; including management of the call system and role of the rounding NA. Observes patient receiving I.V. fluids and reports swelling, pain and or wetness at the needle site. Observes patient and reports changes in appearance, including physical and emotional reactions. Reports patient complaint of pain to RN/LPN. Functions as a \"Safety Monitor\" for patients who need close observation. Safety Monitor assignment includes providing care (baths, personal hygiene, feeding, elimination and intake and output) for patient and preventing patient from injury or interfering with the treatment by pulling out lines/IVs. Maintains constant supervision. Work Schedule: Multiple tours and schedules available; May be scheduled to days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and off-tours to support facility needs. Shifts may be discussed at interview and will be confirmed upon selection.\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:Nursing Assistant\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidate\nRecruitment incentive of up to $14,000. Recruitment incentive will be disbursed after three years in one Lump Sum. Employee must serve thirty six months in this position (Nursing Assistant) prior to receiving Lump Sum payment."]