Nursing Assistant- Acute Care, Respiratory

Summary

This position will function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventative – acute – sub‑acute chronic – maintenance – and hospice care. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements.

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
• English Language Proficiency – Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy
• Experience or 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 of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS‑3.
• All NAs employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard 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 – but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed – 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 re‑entry to the occupation.
• 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 –
  
  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/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.
• OR Education – Successful completion of a 4‑year course of study…