Nursing Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Nursing Assistant at the GS-5 level to join the nursing care team in providing preventive, acute, sub-acute, and hospice care. The role includes mentorship of peers and performing duties under RN/LPN supervision in outpatient, home, or community settings.

Qualifications include US citizenship, English proficiency, and flexible pathways (experience or education) to meet basic NA requirements. This is a full-time federal position.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship required or grandfathering per VA rules.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Education or experience options to meet NA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed nursing staff in patient/resident care across care settings.
• Serve as peer educator/mentor to other Nursing Assistants.
• Recognize emergent care needs and assist with basic life support while awaiting help.
• Coordinate orientation and practical training for new NAs.

Skills

Communication skills

Team coordination

Patient care support

Basic life support readiness

Education

Healthcare-related bachelor’s degree or higher

4-year degree with healthcare courses

6 months general experience OR 1 year related education

Job description

The GS-5 Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. The Nursing Assistant at this level also assumes a peer education/mentorship. 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: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Experience, Education or Training: You must meet one of the following to meet the basic requirements for a Nursing Assistant (NA):
  1. Six (6) months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR,
  2. One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR,
  3. 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 GS‑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-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 KSAs 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 healthcare or possession of a bachelor's degree; and

Demonstrated 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.

Assignment:

This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.

Preferred Experience:

• One year of Acute Care/Community Living Center experience

Reference:

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-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 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. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements 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.