Nursing Assistant
Company: usagov
Location: Lexington
Posted on: March 18, 2023
|
|
|
Job Description:
Summary
This Nursing Assistant position is organizationally aligned under
Patient Care Services. S/he works at a two-divisional teaching
hospital affiliated with the University of Kentucky (UK) Medical
Center at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical
Center, Lexington, Ky. Incumbent will normally work at one of the
locations for the two divisions (Sousley Campus or Bowling Campus)
but is required to work at the other locations as necessary.
This job is open to
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to the public.
This position is one of the hybrid title 38 occupations reported
among the occupations with the largest staffing shortages and,
therefore, under 38 U.S.C. - 7412 waives the requirement to apply
Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made
during the Fiscal Year 2023.
Videos
Duties
The Nursing Assistant will bathe, shave, give oral hygiene, provide
nail care, and active range of motion activity. Provides other
personal needs; properly disposing of body wastes, prepares
patients for meals and feeds patients. Administers tube feedings
through gastrostomy tube with mature stoma and sustained skin
integrity by bolus or gravity. Notes changes in patients'
nutritional needs, and reports to Registered Nurse. Makes beds,
positions, holds, turns, ambulates, and transfers patients as
indicated. Identifies need for and applies supportive and
protective devices for protection of patient and personnel.
Utilizes lift aids and good body mechanics. Maintains safe and
therapeutic environment by keeping assigned area in a orderly and
sanitary condition. Maintains the cleanliness of all items in the
patient area. Utilizes Standard Precautions for all contact with
body substances, which include urine, blood, saliva, feces,
vomitus, wound drainage or any other body fluid. Instructs patients
and visitors about protective procedures if indicated. Sets up
patient rooms for other isolation/transmission precautions as
indicated. Transports patients who may require close observation
and support, accompanies selected patients when necessary, assures
safety during transportation process; assures proper hand-off and
accountability for return of patients. Collects labels specimens of
sputum, urine (routine and sterile), feces, and assists with
collection of other sterile specimens, as directed by the team
leader for storage and/or delivery to the laboratory.
Measures/records vital signs, height and weight, intake and output,
and reports changes to Registered Nurse. Assists Registered Nurse
in monitoring signs/symptoms or intravenous infiltration or
dislodgement. Documents patient care/patient response to treatment.
Assists in post-mortem care, supports family members as needed.
Assists members of health care team by obtaining supplies and
equipment, exercises sound judgement in utilization/conservation of
supplies used in patient area. Assembles equipment and prepares
patient for tests and treatments. Administers cleansing or
retention enemas. Performs colostomy/urostomy care after individual
instructions. Applies external urinary devices. Discontinues and
reconnects oxygen therapy by nasal cannula or mask, and instructs
patients on oxygen safety. Turns patient and assists in deep
breathing and coughing exercises as assigned. Assists during
emergency situations, including initiating and/or assisting with
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, care of the choking victim. Obtains
equipment and supplies, and performs errands as requested.
Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients.
Observes, reports, records changes in patients' physical or
emotional status, i.e., signs and symptoms that may require
interventions or treatment, e.g., respiratory distress, cyanosis,
aspiration, infiltration of IV fluids, blood transfusion reaction,
unusual behavior, non-verbal signs of pains, stress, or withdrawal.
Employs therapeutic/effective communicative skills with patients,
staff and visitors. Helps instruct or interpret instructions to
patients and family to obtain cooperation in disturbed/disruptive
behavior management techniques. Guides, encourages, provides basic
instruction to patients in achieving maximum motivation,
independence, resocialization and rehabilitation. Participates in
patient/team conferences, and contributes to patient care plan.
Conducts small discussion/therapeutic patient groups under
direction of a Registered Nurse. Applies/removes simple sterile and
non-sterile dressings (such as transparent, hydrocolloidal, non
stick and moist to damp) and bandages, slings, ace bandages,
elastic stockings. Applies sterile/non-sterile hot/cold compresses,
packs and soaks. Utilizes equipment to provides heating and
cooling. Gives Sitz baths/other prescribed baths and soaks.
Performs oral suctioning. Observes/reports sigs of dyspnea,
cyanosis, bleeding around the tracheostomy and swelling of the
neck. Performs non-invasive procedures, e.g., bladder scan, pulse
oximeter, reports results to the Registered Nurse. Performs
glucometer testing as ordered by provider, documents results.
Informs Registered Nurse of critical values. Teaches by example
demonstrating to personnel/patients proper techniques/treatment
principles in performing basic Nursing Service procedures.
Anticipates changes in workload activity and offers assistance to
meet the need. Contributes to Nursing Service committees to enhance
patient care. Completes annual competency review. Maintains
infection control practices as defined by the organizational
memorandums. Follows Reusable Medical Equipment
memorandums/standard operating procedures.
Work Schedule: Part Time 40 hours per pay period (May include
holidays and weekends)
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Incentive: Anincentive is authorized for highly qualified
applicants
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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:
Preferred Experience: CNA/SRNA Certificate preferred, experience on
a medical surgical unit preferred.
Grade Determinations:
GS-3 No specialized experience beyond the basic requirements.
GS-4 One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or
experience in another medical field, 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 - 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.
In addition to the above, applicant must demonstrate the following
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1 Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and
contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of
patient/residents.
2 Ability to observe patients/residents 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 patient / residents,
their families and other health professionals.
GS- 5 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 assignments -OR- 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. In addition the above, applicant
must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1 Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to
patient/resident 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 nursing assistants 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G46
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual
grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is
GS-3/4/5.
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy
carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight pulling (up to 8 hours);
Pushing (up to 8 hours); Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers;
both hands required; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8
hours); kneeling (2 to 3 hours); repeated bending (up to 8 hours);
both legs required; hearing (aid permitted).
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if
you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal
employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or
active duty uniformed military service. 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.
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 to fax a document you do
not have in electronic form, view the following link for
information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
Review our benefits
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. How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the
qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY
NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application,
r--sum--, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may
affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including
volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace
Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional;
philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and
skills and can provide valuable training and experience that
translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for
all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment
reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process
to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or
during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge
regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with
making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that
have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for
Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment
at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and
coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
Review our benefits
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have
access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of
position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time,
temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the
following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure
you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application
Package which includes:
REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SELECTION!!!!
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if
applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this
position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all
documents required for your application, such as a copy of your
transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former
Federal employees), etc.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to
be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the
attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting
institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in
this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may
affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this
position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the
documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET)
on 03/28/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the
questionnaire click
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11871416.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS
account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the
Application Status link and then select the more information link
for this position. The Details page will display the status of your
application, the documentation received and processed, and any
correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus
scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your
USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy
announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents
from your USA JOBS account or your application will be
incomplete.
Agency contact information
Rita Tolen
Phone
423-979-3565
Email
rita.tolen@va.gov
Address
Lexington VA Health Care System 2250 Leestown Road Lexington, KY
40511 US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a
confirmation notification by email. After we receive application
packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy
announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure
qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the
review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and
applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred
applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly
by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants
receive a final notification once a selection decision has been
made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging
into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the
USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a
condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of
Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement
that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or
obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a
face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza
vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive
may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from
federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza
season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA
patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations
include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated
clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based
outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and
VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and
unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid
and without compensation, full- and part-time employees,
intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors,
researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who
are expected to perform any or all of their work at these
facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents,
interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel
providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other
personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA
medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application
Package which includes:
REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SELECTION!!!!
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if
applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this
position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all
documents required for your application, such as a copy of your
transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former
Federal employees), etc.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to
be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the
attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting
institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in
this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may
affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this
position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the
documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET)
on 03/28/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the
questionnaire click
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11871416.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and
appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing
date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS
account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the
Application Status link and then select the more information link
for this position. The Details page will display the status of your
application, the documentation received and processed, and any
correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus
scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your
USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy
announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents
from your USA JOBS account or your application will be
incomplete.
Agency contact information
Rita Tolen
Phone
423-979-3565
Email
rita.tolen@va.gov
Address
Lexington VA Health Care System 2250 Leestown Road Lexington, KY
40511 US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a
confirmation notification by email. After we receive application
packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy
announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure
qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the
review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and
applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred
applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly
by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants
receive a final notification once a selection decision has been
made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging
into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the
USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a
condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of
Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement
that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or
obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a
face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza
vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive
may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from
federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza
season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA
patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations
include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated
clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based
outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and
VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and
unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid
and without compensation, full- and part-time employees,
intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors,
researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who
are expected to perform any or all of their work at these
facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents,
interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel
providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other
personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA
medical facilities.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Keywords: usagov, Lexington , Nursing Assistant, Healthcare , Lexington, Kentucky
|
Click
here to apply!
|
