Nursing Assistant - Acute Care

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Durham, NC seeks a Nursing Assistant (NA) to provide patient care across units as assigned, under supervision.

The role emphasizes basic nursing tasks, observation, and timely communication with the care team, with pathways for GS-3 to GS-5 levels depending on experience and qualifications. Strong safety awareness and ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment are required.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Part‑Time Experience: Part‑time experience as a Nursing Assistant is creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek.

Responsibilities

• Provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.
• Observe patients/residents' physical or emotional status and refer deviations to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Properly use equipment and supplies in basic diagnostic and treatment procedures.
• Communicate with patients/residents, families and health professionals.

Skills

Patient care

Communication with team

Emergency response

Observation skills

Education

Education or Training: 1 year above high school

Healthcare-related course

Bachelor's degree in health care field (GS-5)

Job description

The Nursing Assistant (NA) within the scope and certification of a CNA in the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment and demonstrates consistent practice when temporarily assigned to related nursing units and clinics. Provides care and services to multiple populations served and admitted to the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment as determined by the patient/resident need for nursing care and services.

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.
• 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.
• Part‑Time Experience. Part‑time experience as a Nursing Assistant is creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek. For example, a Nursing Assistant employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2‑time basis, would receive 1 full‑time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.

Grade Determinations

GS‑3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level)

Experience [and] Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS‑3 NAs are at the entry level and are closely supervised.

GS‑4 Nursing Assistant

Experience. One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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.

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 residents' 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 Nursing Assistant (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. 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 health care or possession of a bachelor's degree.

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Nursing Assistant 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.

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)

Preferred Experience

• Certified Nursing Assistant Level II
• Hospital Acute Care Nursing Assistant Experience within the last 2 years
• Demonstrated use of computerized electronic medical record charting and data entry
• Long Term Care of Adult Geriatric patients
• Demonstrated successful care of the Psychiatric Acute Patient

Preferred Level of Education

• High School plus 1- 2 years college in a health‑related field

Preferred Certification(s)

• CNA II

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. 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

The position requires performance of work which involves heavy lifting and carrying of 45 pounds and over, repetitive pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, walking, standing, bending, kneeling and the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. It also requires the use of safe patient handling equipment.

Working Conditions

The work is performed inside areas working around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water. Incumbent will at times work alone and closely with others.