Nursing Assistant

Summary
The Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System is currently recruiting for three Nursing Assistants to be part of Nursing, Acute Care Service.
This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive service
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Federal employees - Excepted service
  Current excepted service federal employees.
• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Veterans

Clarification from the agency
Veteran's preference does NOT apply for this announcement per 38 U.S.C. § 7412.
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 15, 2023 or until all positions are filled.
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Duties
Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Attend to needed and vital requirements of the patient and ensure all regulatory, hospital guidelines and practices are followed, providing for a positive care experience within the OKC VA Healthcare System.
• Safely and accurately perform personal care skills. Measures and records vital signs to include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure and measuring height and weight. Measures and records intake and output, feeding techniques, non-sterile specimen collection, transfer, positioning, and turning techniques.
• Report patient-related information to RN, Lead Nurse, or Charge Nurse.
• Work within scope of practice, competency level and the defined skills list for Nurse Aides for the Oklahoma City VAHCS.
• Maintain appropriate communication with patients, families, and other health care workers.
• Use medical asepsis and universal precautions, and document care given is inherent to the role.
• Promotes independence of Veteran by means of respect, limit setting, and individualize treatment.
• Assists with patient education and documentation of education provided.
• Initiates basic life support and promptly recognize/respond to emergent situations.
• Uses the Electronic Medical Record, and other approved software as needed to perform duties in assigned area.
• Maintains confidentiality of patients/residents in all areas (verbal, written and computer-based).
• Preceptor for new nurse aides to assigned duties.
• Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Demonstrates safe work practices. Complies with safety rules and regulations for safe job performance and fire protection.
• Promptly identifies and reports changes in patient/resident behavior or condition to the RN. Documents findings in patient's medical record.
• Actively participates in Committees and tasks groups that improve the overall nursing program.
• Utilizes appropriate therapeutic interventions for all patients/residents. Recognizes and responds to patients/residents who require nursing care, e.g., seriously ill, confused, or wandering patients.
• Offers supportive nursing care to critically or terminally ill patients/residents. Provides emotional support to patient/resident
  and/or family and significant other.
• Attend daily huddle and team meeting per area.
• Functions as a therapeutic attendant for Veterans who require close observation or 1:1 observation. The attendant provider cares (including bathing, personal hygiene, feeding, elimination, and intake and output, etc.) for Veteran and prevents Veteran from hurting him/herself or interfering with the treatment by pulling out lines/IVs. Maintains direct supervision of the veteran. Performs duties per policy to ensure documentation and safety are attained.
• Remotely monitors patients using provided equipment and technology.
• Utilizes appropriate therapeutic interventions for all patients/residents. Recognizes and responds to patients/residents who require nursing care, e.g., seriously ill, confused, or wandering patients/residents.

Work Schedule: Varies. Will be discussed during the interview.
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 55018-A, 55019-A, 55020-A
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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.

Grandfathering Provisions. 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.
Nursing Assistant, GS-3 (Entry Level)

• Experience and Education. None beyond basic requirements

Nursing Assistant, GS-4

• Experience. One year of specialized experience as a 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,
• 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:

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.

Nursing Assistant, 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 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Nursing Assistants 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.

NOTE: Students/trainees may be appointed in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D). See Part II, Chapter 3, paragraph 5 of VA Handbook 5005.
References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.
Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially extended periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. 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.
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.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

• Benefits
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  Review our benefits
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credi...