Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistant GS-5 is the full performance level for the Nursing Assistant Grade Level. The distinguishing factor is that patient assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. The NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients to supervisor appropriately. He/she is able to perform tasks after receipt of patient data and information. She/he performs complex nursing care procedures according to established procedures. She/he will carry a direct patient assignment for a group of patients' and assist others with completion of the workload of the assigned area. Managing equipment special to the area is required. Major Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Support:
Provides check-in support to include vital sign screenings and completion of annual preventive health screenings. Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in patients' condition requiring higher level intervention. Assists with minor procedures to include obtaining and arranging necessary equipment and, ensuring patients' position, comfort and privacy. Collects, labels and processes specimens, to the lab. Transports patients within the medical clinic. Assist providers during a variety of clinical examinations and/or procedures, which may include but are not limited to:
the taking, recording and reporting deviations in vital signs (oral or rectal temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure). Recording height, weight and chief complaints; assisting the medical practitioner in a variety of diagnostic examinations (biopsies, incision and drainage of wounds, pap smears, etc.). Observes patients during examinations and procedures for signs of difficulty or discomfort and reports to provider, nurse or clinic manager. Initiates or assist in Basic Life Support in emergency situations. Conduct patient check-in process and directs patient flow through clinic visit. Effectively communicates with the patient, staff and providers in a courteous and professional manner. Obtains patient history and pertinent information to including chief complaint. Demonstrates understanding of age and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the patient. Based on patient's goals, provides patient and family health education to include self-management, prevention and wellness. Demonstrates competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties including performance of EKG's. Utilizes appropriate computer software packages including Vista, Outlook, CPRS, AHLTA, and CHCS. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written and/or verbal patient information. Recognizes and responds, calmly and appropriately, to emergency situations. Administers oral, intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular medications which have been ordered and verified by licensed provider. Records medications administered and reports any adverse reactions provider, RN or LPN. Assist in ambulatory care delivery by setting up the examination room, ensuring adequate stock of linen, solutions, medical supplies, procedure trays; and related forms; assist the nurse or medical practitioner with special procedures by passing medical supplies or instruments essential to the completion of the diagnostic or treatment procedures; positions and drapes the patient before examination. Provides appropriate patient education following clinic protocol in include therapy and self-care, collection of specimens, dressing changes, etc. Reinforces instructions provided by professional staff. Directs patients to pharmacy, laboratory, X-ray, and other areas and escorts patients when necessary, ensuring patient safety before and after procedures. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 6:
30 am - 3:
00 pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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 3j. Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (2) If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Creditable Experience(1) Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice.(2) Quality of Experience. To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means.(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA 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. 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:
Preferred current Nursing Assistant certification, having successfully completed an accredited training program. Experience preferred. Basic knowledge of medical terminology and patient care techniques and skills sufficient to perform a variety of procedures and tasks such as nebulizer treatment, catheterization, wound care and patient teaching. Knowledge and skills sufficient to recognize and properly use equipment, materials and supplies in variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures for the purpose of carry out assigned duties. Knowledge and ability to utilize the principles and practices of aseptic technique. Ability and skill to recognize acute distress in any patient presenting to the clinic appropriately notifying provider, nurse or clinic manager. Also, can initiate appropriate actions including initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation if indicated. Knowledge and skill enough to understand common illnesses and injuries presenting at the facility, treatment procedures, supporting patients for the purpose of communication with nurses, patients and supporting medical staff. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-05 (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 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. References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/81, PART II, APPENDIX G46 The full performance level of this vacancy is 05. Physical Requirements:
Work requires intermittent periods of standing, bending, sitting and moving/transporting light items (such as supplies, carts and equipment) on regular and recurring basis. Occasionally some stretching and lifting may be required to assist patients out of, or onto wheelchairs or gurneys. No special physical demands are required to do the work.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Provides check-in support to include vital sign screenings and completion of annual preventive health screenings. Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in patients' condition requiring higher level intervention. Assists with minor procedures to include obtaining and arranging necessary equipment and, ensuring patients' position, comfort and privacy. Collects, labels and processes specimens, to the lab. Transports patients within the medical clinic. Assist providers during a variety of clinical examinations and/or procedures, which may include but are not limited to:
the taking, recording and reporting deviations in vital signs (oral or rectal temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure). Recording height, weight and chief complaints; assisting the medical practitioner in a variety of diagnostic examinations (biopsies, incision and drainage of wounds, pap smears, etc.). Observes patients during examinations and procedures for signs of difficulty or discomfort and reports to provider, nurse or clinic manager. Initiates or assist in Basic Life Support in emergency situations. Conduct patient check-in process and directs patient flow through clinic visit. Effectively communicates with the patient, staff and providers in a courteous and professional manner. Obtains patient history and pertinent information to including chief complaint. Demonstrates understanding of age and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the patient. Based on patient's goals, provides patient and family health education to include self-management, prevention and wellness. Demonstrates competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties including performance of EKG's. Utilizes appropriate computer software packages including Vista, Outlook, CPRS, AHLTA, and CHCS. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written and/or verbal patient information. Recognizes and responds, calmly and appropriately, to emergency situations. Administers oral, intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular medications which have been ordered and verified by licensed provider. Records medications administered and reports any adverse reactions provider, RN or LPN. Assist in ambulatory care delivery by setting up the examination room, ensuring adequate stock of linen, solutions, medical supplies, procedure trays; and related forms; assist the nurse or medical practitioner with special procedures by passing medical supplies or instruments essential to the completion of the diagnostic or treatment procedures; positions and drapes the patient before examination. Provides appropriate patient education following clinic protocol in include therapy and self-care, collection of specimens, dressing changes, etc. Reinforces instructions provided by professional staff. Directs patients to pharmacy, laboratory, X-ray, and other areas and escorts patients when necessary, ensuring patient safety before and after procedures. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 6:
30 am - 3:
00 pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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 3j. Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (2) If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Creditable Experience(1) Knowledge of Current Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice.(2) Quality of Experience. To be creditable, NA experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means.(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a NA is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NA 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. 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:
Preferred current Nursing Assistant certification, having successfully completed an accredited training program. Experience preferred. Basic knowledge of medical terminology and patient care techniques and skills sufficient to perform a variety of procedures and tasks such as nebulizer treatment, catheterization, wound care and patient teaching. Knowledge and skills sufficient to recognize and properly use equipment, materials and supplies in variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures for the purpose of carry out assigned duties. Knowledge and ability to utilize the principles and practices of aseptic technique. Ability and skill to recognize acute distress in any patient presenting to the clinic appropriately notifying provider, nurse or clinic manager. Also, can initiate appropriate actions including initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation if indicated. Knowledge and skill enough to understand common illnesses and injuries presenting at the facility, treatment procedures, supporting patients for the purpose of communication with nurses, patients and supporting medical staff. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-05 (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 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. References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/81, PART II, APPENDIX G46 The full performance level of this vacancy is 05. Physical Requirements:
Work requires intermittent periods of standing, bending, sitting and moving/transporting light items (such as supplies, carts and equipment) on regular and recurring basis. Occasionally some stretching and lifting may be required to assist patients out of, or onto wheelchairs or gurneys. No special physical demands are required to do the work.
- Department:
0621 Nursing Assistant - Salary Range:
$38,722 to $50,342 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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