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Summary The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care. Responsibilities This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024 and may be extended until all vacancies are filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 9th. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. As a member of the nursing care team, the Nursing Assistant (NA) offers physiological, psychological, and spiritual support to the VA patients by performing a variety of duties, including direct patient care, department organization and other duties as assigned, to meet the changing needs of the patients and nursing department. All care is delivered to patients in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. NAs participate in selected Continuous Improvement (CI) activities as directed. The purpose of this role is to support the health care team in delivering individualized patient care designed to achieve the optimal health goals. The NA duties are performed on a Hem/Onc- Medical/Surgical Ward under the direction of the Registered Nurse. NAs' may provide coverage for areas other than the ward hired into. Duties Include: Assists physicians and nurses in the performance of diagnostic examinations by performing duties such as monitoring vital signs, preparing and positioning the patient, or by performing a variety of routine diagnostic tests i.e. glucometer test for blood glucose level, EKGs, bladder scanning, and collection of urine sample and other procedures with validated competencies. Performs a complete range of treatment procedures such as; routine urinary catheter care; application of condom catheters; external application of cold and heat with RN or LPN direction; emptying of colostomy or other duties as assigned by the RN or LPN. Performs selected treatments such as foot-soaks, and applications of non-prescribed topical lotions, performs basic care to patients requiring the use of isolation techniques. Checks and records vital signs, weights, and heights and reports deviations from normal to the professional nurse. Collects and labels specimens (urine, stool, and sputum). Measures and records intake and output. Assists by positioning and draping as well as emotionally supporting patients during a variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures. Assists physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members in the care and treatment of Veteran patients receiving medical surgical or emergency treatment. Observes and reports to the professional nurse changes in patient behavior, attitude, bodily complaints/pain and appearance. Observes patients for any change in condition (deviation in color, pulse, respiration, temperature and blood pressure) and reports them to the assigned RN or LPN. Reports the condition of wounds and skin and any reaction to or results of treatments. Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient. Takes care of patients' routine care and comfort needs for psycho/social/spiritual well-being, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation, safety, etc. Work Schedule: Various schedules available including Day/Evening, and Day/Night tours. Both full-time and part-time schedules are available. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized to Highly Qualified Eligible Candidate. Recruitment incentives may be authorized to part-time or full-time individuals in their first appointment as a Federal employee or to a newly appointed former Federal employee with at least a 90-day break in service (possible exceptions). Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 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 Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2024 BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (a) Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) (b) English Language Proficiency. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. (c) Education or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the NA occupation. Completion 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. Preferred Experience: CNA certification preferred but not required GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-3 Grade Determinations: (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 Grade Determinations: (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 treatments; OR, (b) 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 (transcripts required); AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In 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. (d) 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-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 Grade Determinations: (a) 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 in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) 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 (transcripts required); AND (c) Demonstrated KSAs: 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. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This 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 setting. 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. (d) Assignment. This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff 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 distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, 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 through GS-5. Physical Requirements: In accordance with HRML No. 05-12-02, Employment of People with Disabilities, Including Under Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). Requirements include: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs); Reaching Above Shoulder; Both Hands Required; Walking Throughout Assigned Shift; Standing As Duties Require; Kneeling as Duties Require; Repeated Bending As Duties Require; Both Legs Are Required; Near Vision Correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far Vision Correctable in One Eye To 20/50 and to 20/100 In the Other; Color Vision; Hearing (aid permitted); and Specific Hearing Requirements. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Education A copy of college transcripts is required at the time of application showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the NA occupation, or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant. 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 As a VA employee, you will enjoy a truly rewarding career, comprehensive benefits, competitive pay and other generous perks to help build a fuller, more balanced life for you and your family. Strong starting salary, career growth, and recognition VA Special Rates - providing regular performance-based increases and potential accelerated increases for outstanding performance Premium Pay - including overtime, Saturday, Sunday, holiday, on-call and night work Eligible to receive Callback Overtime Incentive Awards - including Superior Performance Awards, Special Contribution Awards, VA Honor Awards, and Non-Monetary Recognition. 4 hours of annual leave (Vacation Time) accrual for full-time employees for each full biweekly pay period. (Could be more with qualifying civilian or military service!) 4 hours of Sick leave accrual per full biweekly pay period. 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave Organ Donor Leave Military Leave Disabled Veteran Leave Health Insurance - pre-taxed premiums and a variety of plans to choose from, ranging from traditional HMO/PPO plans with low co-pays, to High- Deductible plans. Single, spouse and family plans available. Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) -Tax deferred retirement savings account that is similar to private sector 401(k). You may be eligible for an automatic 1% agency contribution, plus a 4% matching agency contribution. Flexible Spending Accounts - medical & dependent care Life Insurance - with available additions for family coverage Long Term Care Insurance Leave Sharing Program Holidays - 11 paid Federal holidays each year Child Care Subsidies Employee Assistance Program Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs Transit Subsidies Continuing Education Opportunities Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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. 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. 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.