Laborer - Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) Training Program

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System offers a 6-month Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) Training Program, serving as an assistant to support daily needs of patients and clinical areas. Training with potential conversion as a Nursing Assistant after completion and competency review.

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date. The program emphasizes hands-on training and competency development within a federal wage setting.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret instructions and operate in a clinical setting.
• Demonstrated dexterity and safety in patient care tasks.
• Reliability and consistent work practices in a health-care environment.
• Experience or training in health-care support is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with lifting and positioning patients in clinical settings.
• Transport supplies and equipment around the facility.
• Clean and decontaminate reusable medical equipment.
• Support clinical staff with patient care tasks and equipment as needed.

Skills

Ability to Interpret Instructions

Ability to Use and Maintain Tools

Dexterity and Safety

Reliability and Dependability

Work Practices

Job description

This position participates in the 6-month Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) Training Program, serving as an assistant and is responsible for supporting the daily needs of patients and clinical areas throughout the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The incumbent will receive occupational training, leading to a potential conversion as a Nursing Assistant in our medical center upon completion of training and competency review.

To qualify for this position,

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EXPERIENCE:

A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT:

Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Dexterity and Safety
• Reliability and Dependability
• Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)

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.

Note:

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements:

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Ability to be on feet for the majority of the day. Will be required to stand and walk up to 10 hours a day throughout the facility. Will be required to climb and descend stairs to reach certain destinations. Must have no lifting restrictions. Will be required to push and pull wheelchairs and other equipment weighing up to 400 pounds. Will be required to push and pull beds and equipment, with assistance, weighing up to 1000 pounds. Will be required to transport supplies weighing up to 20 pounds. Will be required to transport patient belongings and miscellaneous equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. Will be required to transport patients and items up and down an incline of 1 inch per foot. Will be required to have bilateral motor coordination to handle patients and equipment. Will be required to assist with physical management of disruptive behavior in patients.

Working Conditions:

Work will be performed on the grounds of the Minneapolis VA Health System, primarily within the facility. Main duties include lifting and positioning patients, assisting with disruptive behavior patients in a clinical setting, transporting and moving patients, and cleaning reusable medical equipment. Pushing and pulling hospital equipment, walking distances, taking stairs, and answering cell phone and Vocera calls will be daily occurrences. Retrieving equipment from around the hospital and grounds, and delivering equipment to various areas is expected. Assisting clinical staff with obtaining equipment and other patient support items will be needed. Work is in a Medical Center setting and involves possible exposure to contagious disease which will require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified.