Nursing Assistant

The Nursing Assistant is responsible for providing physical care for and/or assistance to patients. Assists, as assigned, in observation of stable post-operative patients and medical patients requiring additional observation. Is able to take as assigned patient load and assume care for more complicated patients. Assists with transferring and transporting medically compromised and seriously ill patients to test/procedures.

Major duties include, but may not be limited to:

• Assists with admissions, transfers, discharges, postmortem care and nursing care procedures specific to the ward.
• Observes critically ill postoperative patients who have had anesthetics and/or medical patients who require constant observation. Is alert for changes in vital signs which indicate bleeding, respiratory distress, and level of consciousness. Independently performs 12 lead EKG.
• Uses skills and knowledge of basic normal versus abnormal vital signs to adapt patient care activities, and takes and records vital signs and intakes and output and empty drains.
• Teaches and guides patients in the development of cleanliness and sound health practices in all aspects of daily living.
• Feed and assist patient during meals. Observes aspiration precautions. Is alert to special dietary needs and takes action according to the patient's diagnosis and behavior.
• All other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Varies Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00610F/00611F/00612F

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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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 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.

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.
• Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR,
• One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR,
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.