at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Danville, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary These positions are located in our Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line. Performs multi-step treatments and procedures requiring skills and extensive knowledge specific to resident conditions, medical treatment, and an understanding of the effects of the treatment. When completing your application, you will be asked to select the tour of duty (PM or Night). Please select one tour or both. Responsibilities These positions are located in our Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line. Performs multi-step treatments and procedures requiring skills and extensive knowledge specific to resident conditions, medical treatment, and an understanding of the effects of the treatment. The work consists of providing a range of resident care and contributes to the completion of the treatment plan and recovery of residents. This can include: personal care, diagnostic support procedures, treatments, charting and resident teaching. The employee is required to recognize differences in a variety of situations and take appropriate action to meet the resident’s needs. Work involves assigned duties that require prioritization of tasks, selection of appropriate equipment, selection of the appropriate procedure for assigned treatments, and recognition of differences in resident’s medical condition to facilitate appropriate and accurate documentation. Major duties of the position include: Personal patient care including bathing, feeding, grooming and mobilizing with demonstration of skills which reflect the needs of the older adult. Appropriate support duties i.e., individualized patient care, proper implementation of policies and procedures, use of good body mechanics, and assist in application and operation of specialized functional equipment. Support duties for proper environmental maintenance such as identification of potential safety hazards. Providing care to patients as directed and serving as an integral member of the treatment team by motivating patients and redirecting their behavior toward treatment plan goals. Participating in the admission of patients by collecting information, orienting patients to the unit, checking them for contraband when indicated, and assisting the Nurse in formulating appropriate nursing actions; accurately and efficiently vital signs, obtaining specimens, and supporting the Physician with any other diagnostic tests. Identifying and meeting the needs of patients for information and guidance in daily living. Promoting patient participation in therapeutic communities by fostering increased self-reliance and independence through education and involvement of their treatment plan. Reporting any changes in patient condition or behavior in a timely manner to the appropriate personnel on the ward. Being able to concisely describe and report any subtle behavior changes and interactions among patients and nursing staff. Performing patient care treatments such as foot soaks or changes of sterile dressings. Encouraging patients to maintain self-care and monitoring their physical and emotional progress using the designated charting techniques; maintaining a safe and secure environment oriented toward future independent living; adhering to all Medical Center policies and procedures as directed. All other duties assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time PMs 3:30PM-12:00AM Nights 11:30PM-8:00AM All shifts will have rotating weekends, and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Not available. 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 #:Nursing Assistant (NA) – Clinical Pathway Patriots Place and Veteran Village. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. [Experience or] Education or Training: [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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-3 NA (Entry Level): Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 NA: 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). n 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. Assignment. Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub-
