Nursing Assistant (Long Term Care)

Summary

The Nursing Assistant provides clinical support for the adult and geriatric Veteran under the direction of the RN and LPN. The Nursing Assistant on the Community Living Center practices and adheres to a high level of respect and knowledge of Veteran rights to protect the vulnerable and frail Veterans. The Nursing Assistant maintains their education and knowledge of abuse, and other care practices specific to the debilitated and geriatric Veterans.

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Duties

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Duties listed below are for GS-5, developmental grades will differ in scope and oversight. They include, but are not limited to:

• Provides care that offers no evidence or concern of abuse.
• Performs, and can mentor other CNAs, in activities of daily living (ADL) by helping Veterans in their physical functioning.
• Demonstrates the need for minimal supervision and proficient skill in promoting independence in daily living activities.
• Independently follows the Restorative Plan of Care and performs range of motion exercises, turning and positioning, ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises in the Plan of Care.
• Follows the Restorative Plan of Care and performs range of motion exercises, turning and positioning, ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises in the Plan of Care.
• Performs, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, and when assigned, catheter care, oral-pharyngeal suctioning and tracheostomy suctioning and tracheostomies that are noncomplicated and at least five days old.
• Uses aseptic technique and changes clean dressings.
• Maintains and monitors oxygen therapy as directed by the RN, assignment or written care plan.
• Applies binders, splints, supportive devices, braces, and other simple devices to aid Veterans in positioning for therapy, applies hot and cold packs, prepares patients for tests, examinations, and treatments. Collects specimens and correctly labels specimens for laboratory examinations and assures timely transportation.
• Applies ointments, shampoos, and creams considered medications under the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP Policy) and mentors fellow CNAs in performing medication administration per policy.
• Reviews the Veteran's/resident's treatment plan and follows the plan in performing resident care.
• Participates in CLC activity and actions to improve the quality of care for residents/Veterans to include fall intervention and prevention of pressure sores.
• Participates in the nursing care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings, using knowledge of the Veteran/resident and reports resident/Veteran problems, helps plan individualized care and discharge planning.
• Cleans and maintains equipment independently or at the direction of the RN/LPN.
• Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of patients. Orients the new resident/Veteran to the room and safety features. Checks in and documents resident/Veteran valuables.
• Provides one-to-one observation as directed for assaultive and ill residents and follows facility policy related to the one-to-one Veteran's condition/illness.
• Assists with labeling, preparing for transport, laundering and distributing resident's personal clothing.
• Initiates Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver for choking, and first aid in accordance with established Medical Center policy.
• Safely and timely escorts Veterans to and from the CLC for appointments and recreational therapy.
• Implements leisure and diversional activities for the Veteran and promotes meaningful use of time that enhanced independence, positive self-esteem and relaxing leisure experiences.
• Maintains constant and vigilant privacy of all Veterans at all times.
• Accurately documents treatments and care given to the Veteran/resident in the Veteran/resident's medical record.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule : Rotating day tour, 7:30AM - 8 PM, and 7:30AM - 4PM, with rotating weekends and holidays.

Compressed/Flexible: Available

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 .

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 00000

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
• Experience or Education or Training.
  • (1) Six 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-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level)

Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4 Nursing Assistant

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:

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 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 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.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of experience working in a nursing home.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

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: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, repeated bending, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), visual acuity 20/30 corrected, and mental and emotional stability.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.