Nursing Assistant

Grand Junction, Colorado, Colorado, The Nursing Assistant will provide a range of assistance and support for veteran patients by providing personal patient care, support for diagnostic procedures, performing technical nursing treatments as delegated by Nursing staff, appropriate documentation and offering basic patient instruction under the guidance of a Registered Nurse. The Nursing Assistant is an integral member of the nursing care team in direct service to veterans and families. ***This is an open continuous announcement until August 4, 2023. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. *** 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. 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. 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 Experience and Education . None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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, 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 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 KS As 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): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Nursing Assistants 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: Prefer 6 months – 1 year experience in long-term care, hospice, skilled/rehab care, ADL’s, documentation experience, vital signs. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46 The full performance level of this vacancy is 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 5. 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. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided.

The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. [“Supports Diagnostic Procedures Assists physicians and nurses in the performance of diagnostic examinations by performing duties such as monitoring vital signs, preparing and positioning the patient, or by performing a variety of routine diagnostic tests such as glucometer test for blood glucose level, collection of urine sample, etc. Assists with Technical Nursing Treatments Assists physicians and nurses in the care and treatment of veteran patients receiving medical, surgical, or skilled longer-term treatment. Observes and reports to the professional nurse changes in patient behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance. Observes patients for any change in condition (deviation in color, pulse, respiration, temperature, and blood pressure) and reports them to the Registered Nurse. Reports the condition of wounds and skin and any reaction to or results of treatments.

Direct Patient Care Provides a full range of patient care to complex patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems including personal nursing care, support duties and treatments. Uses good communication skills in dealing with patients, some of whom are unusually difficult to care for or communicate with. Provides effective action in emergency situations. Performs actions targeted to the maintenance/restoration of skin integrity by assisting nurses with turning patients and cleaning patients as needed. Assists nurses, preparing patients for transport to procedures by obtaining oxygen tanks or other needed equipment. Complies with universal precaution and with all infection control policies and procedures. Provides emotional patient and family care. Maintains patient privacy. Responds appropriately to emergency situations. Assists/completes clerical and transport functions as needed.

Makes rounds to ensure visual contact, safety and comfort of each patient. Indirect Care Maintains a safe/clean work environment and completes assigned environmental duties. Demonstrates appropriate actions in environmental emergency situations. Employs appropriate lifting/moving, transfer and assistive devices and demonstrates safe and proper body mechanics. Utilizes equipment in a safe manner. Reports unsafe equipment and working conditions to appropriate individuals. Offers assistance to coworkers when needed. Participates in QI activities as directed. Practice cost effective measures in the use of supplies and equipment. Enters Information on the Patients’ Records/Charts Enters specific information onto the patients’ records using the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).

Enters information regarding the care rendered and the condition and progress of the patient. Performs direct patient support work including personal patient care and/or basic patient education. Personal Patient Care Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient. Takes care of patients’ routine care and comfort needs for psycho/social/spiritual well-being, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation, safety, etc. Patient Teaching Teaches patients and family members the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care. Assists with specific health teaching, such as reminding diabetic patients of the importance for skin care and following a diet, reinforcing the importance of exercise and diet for the cardiac patients, etc. Environment of Care Supports professional staff and veterans as needed with maintaining a clean, safe environment of care. Cleans bedside tables, stocks linens, cleans wheelchairs and other direct resident care equipment using appropriate precautions. Patient Safety Uses standard precautions and personal/patient protective devices Recognizes and reports unsafe situations. Initiates appropriate emergency interventions.

Maintains a safe/clean work environment, ensuring patient privacy. Participates in unit-based medical center and organizational in-services and continuing education activities. Adheres to dress-code policy. Completes all TMS in a timely manner. Work Schedule: Varying Full-Time Shifts (days, evenings, nights alternate holidays, weekends ) Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52384A, 52385A, 52386A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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