The Float Nursing Assistant supports surgical clinics by rooming patients, taking vital signs, performing EKGs, monitoring blood glucose, assisting with minor procedures, and documenting in electronic records. Also handles cleaning, stocking, equipment checks, transporting patients, running lab/pharmacy tasks, and supporting nurses/providers. Requires strong communication, customer service, teamwork, and basic computer skills. Rotates between Audie L. Murphy and Balcones Heights Clinics
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. Experience or Education or Training. (1) Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR, (2) One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR, (3) Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 NA (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; 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 NA (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 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: 2-3 years hospital clinics experience 1-2 years of in hospital inpatient care 1-2 years of caring for geriatric and adult patients Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Moderate carrying, under 15-44 pounds Straight pulling (1 hour) Pushing (1-3 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (4 hours) Standing (2-7 hours) Kneeling (2 hours) Repeated bending (2 hours) Climbing, use of legs and arms Both legs required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Specific visual requirement (20/40 DVA; corrected) Both eyes required Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Sitting (8 hours) Simple grasping (2-4 hours) Fine manipulation (including keyboarding 4-6 hours) Twisting (2 hours) Mental and emotional stability
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Nursing Assistant - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Nursing-Assistant-Career-Flyer.pdf GS-05, Full Performance Level Duties Include Room surgical patients and manage patient flow in a high-volume outpatient setting Perform and document vitals, EKGs, and blood glucose accurately in CPRS using clinical terminology Assist providers with minor surgical procedures, personal care, and diagnostic exams Monitor disoriented or high-risk patients requiring constant supervision Respond to emergencies (e.g., CPR, bleeding, behavioral issues) until help arrives Turn over and prep exam/procedure rooms; verify equipment is sterile and functional Precept lower-level CNAs and assist in training or onboarding GS-04, Developmental Level Duties Include: Perform supervised procedures like catheter care, simple dressings, brace application Record vitals and glucose levels, and report abnormal findings promptly Assist with patient flow, room prep, and support during minor surgical procedures Use equipment such as bladder scanners, SCDs, and lifts appropriately Monitor patients under observation and escalate concerns to RN/LVN Assist with surgical skin prep (e.g., hair clipping, limb positioning) Participate in maintaining infection control and clean, safe work areas GS-03, Entry Level Duties Include: Provide basic hygiene, feeding, mobility, and toileting support under supervision Room patients and assist with orientation to the surgical clinic Observe and report obvious changes in patient condition to licensed staff Set up and restock exam rooms with direction from higher-level staff Assist with transporting patients, specimens, or equipment as assigned Practice proper body mechanics and safety procedures under guidance Maintain respectful, supportive communication with patients and families Work Schedule: Various Shifts, Nights/Weekends/Holidays Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized