Career Center

This is an open continuous announcement until September, 2022 for the Float and Long Term Care Departments for the, with the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. This vacancy announcement is not all inclusive. Additional announcements may be posted within the same specialty area. 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: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant 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 Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: At least one year nursing assistant experience. Grade Determinations:GS-3 Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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; AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 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. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. 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 health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is 05.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 05. Physical Requirements: The population of male and female Veterans served ranges from the adult, age 18 to the elderly adult, age 65 and over. Lebanon VA Medical Center is a major interdisciplinary teaching facility, serving medical and surgical inpatients and outpatients. The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. 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, lifting 45 pounds or more, reaching, stretching, and similar activities supporting various weights. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The incumbent must be able to navigate all areas of the facility, use a keyboard, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary, as well as direct others to perform it, and perform other activities of the position without any restrictions. ["Duties include but are not limited to : Assists the RN, licensed practical nurse (LPN), and other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) with providing input in the development of care plan based on the Veteran's care needs. This includes input into completion of the minimum data sets (MDS) assessment at required and various time points. Attends IDT meetings and contributes to the IDT. Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the Veteran and monitoring the Veteran's condition. Promotes the value of cultural transformation and Veteran-centered care to nursing staff in the community living center (CLC). Actively seeks Veteran choice in care plan participation and goal development. Offer suggestions to improve the Veterans activities of daily living (ADL) functions and quality of life. This would include suggestions for restorative or rehabilitative care. Performs nursing care, as applicable to the Veteran, including all aspects of personal care and grooming. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, monitor bladder and bowel functioning, tracking of input and output (I&O), and hydration. Consistently follows policies, standard operating procedures, and procedures as applicable to reusable medical equipment and infection control. Observes Veterans and reports changes in Veteran behavior and condition to the unit charge nurse. Reports required information for hand-off communication to charge nurse and co-workers including to other members of the IDT and other applicable staff and departments. Completes the necessary documentation for these duties. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, educates the Veterans on their care needs as appropriate to NA skill level. Communicates with families and significant others as appropriate. Under the direction of the RN or LPN, provides health care services to the Veteran, to include but not limited to: Foley Catheter insertion/discontinuation/care; obtaining the Veterans vital signs, blood glucose, or electrocardiogram ( EKG); activities of daily living; and post-mortem care. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the charge nurse, nurse manager (NM), or the nursing supervisor. Completes all assigned routine documentation. Takes appropriate action when indicated regarding equipment safety (Wanderguard unit, crash cart, refrigerators, etc.). Communicates to appropriate staff, when immediate intervention is needed for safe care. Initiates and maintains standards of cleanliness and safety in Veteran environment and exercises proper us and maintenance of equipment. Monitors Veterans risk for behaviors, including but not limited to: Elopement; wandering; suicide; fall; behavior; pressure ulcer; and taking action, when indicated, to include communicating to appropriate personnel when further intervention is needed and completing necessary documentation. Responds during emergencies, assisting during fire drills and responding to any safety issues as they arise. Demonstrates self-direction in applying knowledge of fire, safety and disaster regulations, practices, and procedures and communicates expectations to staff. Uses proper body mechanics and safe lifting equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) that promote a safe workplace. Encourages other staff compliance with safety policies. Participates on committees or other workgroups as requested. Participates in quality improvement activities. Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Completes mandatory education requirements. Assumes patient care assignments involving more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirement. Assumes a peer education/mentorship role. Work Schedule: Multiple Shifts available. Night Shift / 12:00 a.m.- 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 p.m. - 6 :00 a.m.\nEvening Shift / 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. - 10 p.m.\nDay Shift / 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. or 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Telework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Nursing Assistant/PD000000, PD000000, and PD000000\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]