Nursing Assistant Medical Cardiology

SummaryThe Nursing Assistant provides direct patient care to patients/residents on a regular and ongoing basis on a Medical Cardiology unit. The NA practices under the supervision of a Registered Nurse - who is accountable for assuring adherence to standards of care.QualificationsApplicants 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 RequirementsCitizenshipCitizen of the United StatesEducation or TrainingOne year above high school with courses related to the NA occupationCompletion 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 ProficiencyNAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3jExperience Requirement: GS-03 Nursing Assistant: For GS-03 Entry Level consideration: None beyond the basic requirementsMay 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)Experience Requirement: GS-04 Nursing Assistant: (a) 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 treatmentsIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) belowOR - (b) EducationSuccessful 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 (c) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs) 1Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents2Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner3Ability 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 - etc4Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents - their families and other health professionals.*Individuals assigned as GS-4 NA's are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised--they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors - higher graded NA's or other healthcare professionalsExperience Requirement: GS-05 Nursing Assistant: (a) ExperienceOne 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 assignmentIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) belowOR (b) EducationSuccessful 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 DegreeAND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA's) 1Ability 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 Nurse2Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents - families - interdisciplinary team - and other personnelThis 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 setting3Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistanceFor example - recognizing the need for basic life support - controlling bleeding - and assisting with behavior crisis - etcThe full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-03 to GS-05References: Nursing Assistant Qualification Standards - VA Handbook 5005/81 - Part II - Appendix G46 - dated March 12 - 2015This can be found in the local Human Resources OfficePreferred Experience: Recent Long Term Care Experiencecurrent BLS CertificationPhysical Requirements: In accordance with VA Handbook 5019 - Part II - Paragraph 3 - II-1 - 1(a) - A pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical - cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required - and shall be completed prior to appointment - for all full-time individuals appointed under 38 U.S.C. - Chapter 73 - for Title 38 positions.DutiesNursing Assistant - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Nursing-Assistant-Career-Flyer.pdf Duties include - but are not limited to: Assisting in the care of patients by supporting patient activities Report changes in patient's condition to the registered nurse - as well as the patient's acceptance and response to nursing careOperating equipment (Vital sign machines - EKGs - Bladder Scans - etc.)Establishes therapeutic relationships with patient and families.- Perform procedures such as venipuncture - finger sticks - and wound dressings.- Monitor and chart patient status in compliance with applicable laws and local policies - and properly report any abnormal findings to designated Nurse or Medical staffSubmits work orders for broken equipment - and properly stores and cleans equipment Contributes to a safe - clean - and therapeutic environment for patients and staff by cleaning equipment - furniture - appliances - and patient care areas Communicates with patient and family members about care - and ensure all communications comply with HIPAA and applicable laws and regulations.- Collecting and transporting patient specimens for the laboratoryCompletes hazardous items checks of unit - patients - and their belongingsUnderstands and uses proper medical terminology.- Transporting patients to other areas of the hospital and returns to proper unit bedLeads by example in defining a customer service culture to ensure that all patients are treated with respect and civility Other duties as assignedWork Schedule: 8 & 12 hour days with weekend and holiday requirement Virtual: This is not a virtual position.