This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants will be reviewed and referred out as vacancies become available. Notices of your status will be sent out as certificates are issued. 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: Education: One year above high school with courses related to the CNA occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year which resulted in attaining certification as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. U.S. Citizenship Certification as a CNA by a State is a basic requirement for all grade levels or the on the job experience at the facility for currently employed staff. Once certified, CNAs must maintain a full, active and unrestricted certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification will result in removal from the GS-621 CNA series and may result in termination of employment. Meets physical standards consistent with VA Directive and handbook 5019. Is proficient in English. Current BLS certification (American Heart Association) 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). GS-5: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 identified below. OR 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 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 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 References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 5. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting. ["The incumbent could be assigned to perform duties within any of the Nursing departments at the VA facility. The incumbent will be expected to perform all of the required duties. In addition but not limited to, the Nursing Assistant will be responsible for the following: Assisting the residents with the activities of daily riving which they would have performed for themselves if they were able, i. e, bathing, shaving, feeding, oral hygiene, ambulation, dressing, etc., and assisting the professional nurse in the rehabilitation and or providing care for the residents who are not able to perform these functions independently to the extent possible. Using aseptic and sterile technique performing various treatments, i. e., treating wounds by cleansing them and applying dressings. Collects sterile and clean specimens. Caring for the helpless bed patient and preventing complications of immobilization by turning, maintaining proper body alignment, giving range of motion exercises, assisting the patient to deep breathe and cough. Provides adequate nutrition and hydration, including tube feedings after the nurse checks tubes, and accurately monitoring intake and output. Check Veterans for contraband, and maintaining Veteran's confidentiality by logging off the computer. Recognized and reacts promptly and appropriately to medical and behavioral emergency situations. Assists in post-mortem care. Transports Veterans to other areas of facility as required. Giving tracheostomy care to established tracheostomy tubes; suctioning mouth and larynx of those patients unable to swallow or expectorate secretions. Monitoring the rate of flow of intravenous fluids by informing the nurse of the rate and alerting him/her to the need to add fluids. Monitoring oxygen administration, rate of flow, placement of mask, cannula, etc. Preparing residents for diagnostic and test procedures for comfort measures. Digitally initiating peristaltic action for the spinal cord injury residents as identified in the individualized plan of care. Participating in the reality orientation program for residents. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiopulmonary emergencies. Assuming responsibilities for immediate maintenance and cleanliness of equipment used in the care of residents, and for maintenance of order in the work area of the unit without specifically being told to do so. Participates and initiates recreational activities using guidelines of the Recreational Therapist or Charge Nurse. Observing, reporting, and recording all pertinent data such as vital signs, intake and output, treatments performed, resident's physical condition and his/her response to treatment and procedure, participating in the interdisciplinary plan of care by offering input and feedback. Other duties as assigned with appropriate instruction and supervision. Work Schedule: 12 hour Shifts 7 am -7 pm and 7 pm - 7 am rotating shifts with weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.