Nursing Assistant - Tacoma, United States - Department of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Learn more about this agency

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Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

01/29/2024 to 09/30/2024

• Salary

$41,013 - $66,957 per year

GS3:
$41,013 - $53,314/// GS4: $46,038 - $59,844/// GS5: $51,508 - $66,957

• Pay scale & grade

GS - 5

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Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

• Seattle, WA
• Tacoma, WA
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -* Work schedule

Full-time -* Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

5

• Job family (Series)

0621 Nursing Assistant

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSV JC

• Control number

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This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Veterans' Preference:
Does not apply to this announcement per OCHCO Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 27,2023

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Duties

The Nursing Assistant provides clinical support for the adult and geriatric Veteran under the direction of the RN and LPN.

NA at the Community Living Center practices and adheres to a high level of respect and knowledge of Veteran rights to protect the vulnerable and frail Veterans.

Maintains their education and knowledge of abuse, and other care practices specific to the debilitated and geriatric Veterans.

Practice includes all activities of daily living, and general nursing duties and tasks to help the team restore the Veteran to the highest level of independence or be remaining comfortable toward the end of life.

Duties will vary based on grade.

At the GS-5 level, duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Provides care that offers no evidence or concern of abuse. Reports immediately any evidence of care given that demonstrates mistreatment, neglect, and misappropriation of property.
• Ensures the resident is wearing the correct identification bracelet.
• Demonstrates a respect and courtesy for the Veteran at all times.
• Performs, and can mentor other CNAs, in activities of daily living by helping Veterans in their physical functioning.
• Demonstrates the need for minimal supervision and proficient skill in promoting independence in daily living activities.
• Performs range of motion exercises, turning and positioning, ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises.
• Performs and can mentor other CNAs in a variety of general nursing duties competently.
• Performs, under the supervision of a RN, and when assigned, catheter care, oral -pharyngeal suctioning and tracheostomy suctioning and tracheostomies that are noncomplicated and at least five days old.
• Uses aseptic technique and changes clean dressings.
• Maintains and monitors oxygen therapy as directed by the RN care plan.
• Applies binders, splints, supportive devices, braces, and other simple devices to aid Veterans in positioning for therapy, applies hot and cold packs, prepares patients for tests, examinations, and treatments. NA collects specimens, correctly labels specimens for laboratory examinations and assures timely transportation of specimens.
• Applies ointments, shampoos, and creams considered medications and mentors fellow CNAs in performing medication administration.
• Reviews the resident's treatment plan and follows the plan in performing resident care. NA updates the plan of care in the resident's room to remain current with IDT and in the medical record, and reports / verifies changes and discrepancies to the charge nurse.
• Participates in CLC activity and actions to improve the quality of care for residents. NA independently implements the resident's specific plan of care to prevent falls with injury and pressure sores. The NA accepts quality improvement assignments of monitoring compliance when assigned.
• Participates in the nursing care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings. Presents interventions based on the organization's guidelines on fall prevention and pressure sore prevention.
• Cleans and maintains equipment independently or at the direction of the RN/LPN. The NA inspects devises and determines if the device is safe to use, or removes the device, notifies supervisor, and implements the process to have the device repaired.
• Demonstrates self-direction and responsibility by maintaining all education required by the CLC.
• Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of patients.
• Provides one-to-one observation as directed for assaultive and ill residents and follows facility policy.
• Assists with labeling, preparing for transport, laundering and distributing resident's personal clothing.
• Initiates Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver for choking, and first aid in accordance with established Medical Center policy.
• Implements leisure and diversional activities for the Veteran and promotes meaningful use of time.
• Secures the residents privacy CLC by keeping passwords, computer access and required / recommended training current.
• Works the schedule assigned which requires being ready and able to work at the beginning of the tour, working on weekends, holidays and day, evening or night shift. Mandatory overtime is performed per unit practice to preserve the safety of the Veterans/residents and operation of the unit.
• Accurately documents treatments and care given to the resident in the resident's medical record which is usually the Computerized Patient Medical Records.

Work Schedule:
Seattle-7:30AM-4:00PM, 3:30PM-12:00AM, 11:30AM-08:00AM Tacoma- 6:00AM- 2:30PM, 2:00PM-10:30PM, 10:00PM-6:30AM


Telework:
Not Available


Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.


Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Authorized


EDRP Authorized:
Contact Stacy Hermann @ , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized


Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required

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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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• 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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 NA 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. (Must provide transcripts and/or certificate)
• English Language Proficiency: NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.

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 (Entry Level): None beyond the basic requirements.

Assignment. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.


GS-4:

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.

(Must provide transcripts)


AND
In addition to the above experience/education, 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 (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 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.

(Must provide transcripts)


AND
In addition to the above experience/education, 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. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.

References:
VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46, March 12, 2015.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5.

Physical Requirements:

This work requires heavy lifting (45lbs) or over, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted) visual acuity 20/30 corrected, mental and emotional stability.

Environmental factors include working with hands in water and working closely with others.

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:
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:
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.

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 , 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.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

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Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR
AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members:

Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.