Nursing Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs seeks qualified Nursing Assistants to support patient care in a VA facility. Eligibility includes citizenship and English proficiency, with education or experience meeting the GS-3/GS-4/GS-5 requirements.

Candidates should demonstrate KSAs, adaptability, effective communication, and openness to coaching and feedback in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Transcripts/certifications may be required, with supervision by a Registered Nurse or

Qualifications

• Six months of general experience or one year of education related to nursing care.
• Ability to acquire knowledge and skills for NA work.
• KSAs: patient care, communication, and recognizing emergent care situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide a range of patient/resident care under supervision.
• Observe and report changes in patient condition to supervisor.
• Use basic nursing equipment and perform routine procedures as directed.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Adaptability

Coachable

Education

Two years above high school in health care

Six months general experience

Job description

The ICU is looking for staff interested in gaining experience in the specialty and who have high levels of flexibility, adaptability, and initiative. Additionally, interested candidates should be able to navigate change well, communicate effectively, be open to coaching, mentoring and feedback in an effort to provide the best support and customer service to the organization.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
• Education or Training: Must possess six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR, Have completed one full year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR, Have completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for a GS-3. (TRANSCRIPTS or CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must meet the following GRADE REQUIREMENTS:

GS-3 Level

None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4 Level

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 (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED);

AND

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• 1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.
• 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
• 3. 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.
• 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals.

GS-5 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;

AND

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• 1. 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.
• 2. 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.
• 3. 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is a 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: Walking, bending, stooping, and lifting in the direct care of patients; some extended periods of sitting and/or standing.

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).