This Nursing Assistant (NA) position is located in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC aligned under the Nursing, Acute Care Service Line. The NA functions as a member of the nursing care team assisting licensed nursing and other medical staff in the provision of preventative, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice patient/resident care.
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: - Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.) Experience, Education, or Training - Six months of general experience that demonstrates the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a Nursing Assistant; or one year of education 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.. English Language Proficiency - Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Physical Requirements: - This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. This position requires the physical ability to participate actively and complete Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) training. Staff must demonstrate the capability to effectively implement, utilize, and execute PMDB skills in high-risk Emergency Department (ED) environment to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The NA must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019. 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. GS-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level) Experience, Education, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) - None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Nursing Assistant 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, healthcare 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) - 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 Nursing Assistant (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). 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. Reference: - For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. NOTE: 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.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Provides direct care for complex patients. Performs phlebotomy to collect blood samples as ordered. Obtains vital signs and reports abnormal outcomes to appropriate health care provider. Collects stool and urine samples as ordered. Performs point of care (POC) testing. Performs electrocardiogram (EKG) as instructed. Performs inventory of patient belongings. Provides continuous one-on-one observation for safety of mental health and other at-risk patients. Makes observations of subtle changes in patient behavior and/or condition and takes appropriate action. Documents care provided, observations, and responses with appropriate tools and/or forms. Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning. Monitors and documents patient intake and output, reporting deviations. Performs nursing procedures withing scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures including but not limited to enemas, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, and the application of braces and prosthetic devices. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the patient. Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilized proper aseptic technique in performance of duties. Serves as the unit safe patient handling liaison. Serves as a preceptor and mentor to other Nursing Assistants. Orients members of the health care team to the unit, as appropriate. Functions as a member of the unit bed counsel. Manages disruptive patient behavior by appropriate intervention. Ensures compliance with fit testing. Initiates basic life support. Transports patients to and from the Emergency Department (ED). Completes annual competency requirements and on-going mandatory education. Works cooperatively as a member of the team in all assignments. Demonstrates knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the Veteran patients served. Consistently adheres to information security policies and procedures. Preferred Experience Basic Life Support (BLS) Work Schedule: Dayshift with flexible hours/shifts to be discussed during interview and confirmed upon selection. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000