Summary This position is located at Lebanon VA Medical Center - Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line. Under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse (RN), the nursing assistant (NA) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the RN in the care of patients in acute, subacute, or chronic states of illness. The NA delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients in the Community Living Center (CLC) while developing technical competencies. Responsibilities The primary purpose of this position is to perform a very wide range of patient personal care, support diagnostic services, and chart activities on a regular and continual basis within the CLC. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to promote a sense of worth, dignity and independence within each individual. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Assists the RN, LPN, and other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) with providing input in the development of care plan based on the Veteran's care needs. Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the Veteran and monitoring the Veteran's condition. Promotes the value of cultural transformation and Veteran-centered care to nursing staff in the CLC. Actively seeks Veteran choice in care plan participation and goal development. Offers suggestions to improve the Veterans activities of daily living (ADL) functions and quality of life. Performs nursing care as applicable to the Veteran including all aspects of personal care and grooming. Under the direction of the RN or licensed practical nurse (LPN), monitors bladder and bowel functioning, tracking of I&O and hydration. Consistently follows policies, standard operating procedures, and procedures as applicable to reusable medical equipment and infection control. Observes Veterans and reports changes in Veteran behavior and condition to the unit charge nurse. Reports required information for hand-off communication to charge nurse and co-workers, including to other members of the IDT, and other applicable staff and departments. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, educates the Veterans on their care needs, as appropriate, to NA skill level. Communicates with families and significant others as appropriate. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, provides health care services to the Veteran to include, but not limited to: Foley Catheter insertion/discontinuation/care; obtaining the Veteran's vital signs, blood glucose, or electrocardiogram (EKG); activities of daily living; and post-mortem care. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the charge nurse, nurse manager (NM), or the nursing supervisor. Completes all assigned routine documentation. Takes appropriate action when indicated regarding equipment safety (Wanderguard unit, crash cart, refrigerators, etc.). Communicates to appropriate staff when immediate intervention is needed for safe care. Initiates and maintains standards of cleanliness and safety in Veteran environment and exercises proper us and maintenance of equipment. Monitors Veterans risk for behaviors including, but not limited to: elopement; wandering; suicide; fall; behavior; and pressure ulcer; and taking action, when indicated, to include communicating to appropriate personnel, when further intervention is needed and completing necessary documentation. Responds during emergencies, assisting during fire drills and responding to any safety issues as they arise. Demonstrates self-direction in applying knowledge of fire, safety and disaster regulations, practices, and procedures and communicates expectations to staff. Uses proper body mechanics and safe lifting equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) that promotes a safe workplace. Encourages other staff compliance with safety policies. Participates on committees or other workgroups as requested. Participates in quality improvement activities. Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Completes mandatory education requirements. Provides one-to-one observation, close observation and purposeful rounding to ensure Veteran safety. The NA Resource Pool nurse works in multiple CLC areas maintaining appropriate competencies and remaining informed of both standard and unique documentation requirements as they may differ between CLC units. Under the direction of the Restorative Nursing Team, facilitates restorative nursing activities within the CLC. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, participates in developing and monitoring CLC based diversional activity programs. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 10:00 pm - 6:00 am (night tour), every other weekend and holiday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Note: This is an open continuous announcement until 03/06/2025. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. 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. 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 Requirement. To be at least minimally qualified for the nursing assistant occupation in VA, applicants must have completed at least one of the following: General Experience: Six months general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a Nursing Assistant. Education: One year of education above high school with courses related to the nursing assistant occupation. Training: Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant (e.g., Nurse Aid Certification course) may also meet the experience requirements for GS-3. Note: If basing all or part of your qualifications on education or training, copy of college transcripts showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the nursing assistant occupation, or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant (e.g., Nurse Aid Certificate) is required to verify you meet the basic education/training requirement. While not required at the time of application, documentation may be required to receive further consideration. Grandfathering Provisions: All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard (March 12, 2015) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. GRADE DETERMINATION: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 through GS-5. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the qualification criteria outlined below must be met for each grade. To receive full consideration at the GS-4 and -5 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) described below. GS-3 - Entry Level Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 - 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 (transcripts required) 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 residents' 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 - 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 listed 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 (transcripts required) 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. References: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Preferred Experience: : 1 year experience in Long term care, Hospice or Acute Care Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.