Nursing Assistant

Summary

This position provides specialized personal nursing care to residents whose care may be impacted by psychiatric, medical, and geriatric conditions. It requires performing multi‑step treatments and procedures that demand specific skills and extensive knowledge related to resident conditions and medical treatment, as well as an understanding of the effects of such treatments.

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.

• Citizenship:
  Citizen of the United States. (Non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 – section A – paragraph 3g.)
• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005 – part II – chapter 3 – section A – paragraph 3j.
• Education or Training:
  Six months of general experience.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA.
• OR – One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
• OR – 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.
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
• GS‑3 NA (Entry Level):
  Experience and Education – None beyond the basic requirements.
• GS‑4 NA:
  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 a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position (e.g., 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' physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to a 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, demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities 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;
  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…