Nursing Assistant

at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for a full-time Nursing Assistant to work in the Community Living Center & Rehabilitation Unit (6 West). nursing assistant works in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to provide care to a diverse population of patients with complex needs including: general medicine, orthopedic, vascular, and expanded surgical patients in need of reconditioning of ADLs, etc. to reach their optimum functioning level. Responsibilities The Nursing Assistant will be assigned personal nursing tasks which may include but not limited to hydrating, feeding, ambulating, bathing, skin care and turning patients. In addition oral care, hair and use of supportive devices related hygiene care in order to aid and perform hygiene tasks for the veteran as mentioned above. Additional tasks and may not be limited to include: Technical Duties The Nursing Assistant performs a range of diagnostic support duties. In addition, there is a responsibility to recognize and report to the primary RN any deviation of normal set values. This includes the ability to make gross observations (heavy vomiting, bleeding, fainting) and subtle visual changes (slight drooling at the mouth, breakdown of the skin) and report immediately. Work Schedule:7:30p to 8am or 11:30p to 8am (Will discuss in interview). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 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. 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 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. 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 Qualifications (Entry Level) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments: Individuals assigned as GS-3 [NAs] are at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Qualifications 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. Assignment 1) Individuals assigned as GS-4 [NAs] are 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-acute, or chronic states of illness. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs] or other healthcare professionals.2) In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists 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 who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded [NAs], or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 Qualifications (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 for the grade. 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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 CNAs 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. Assignment: This is the full performance level for [NAs]. [NAs] at this grade level function as a member of