Department of Veterans Affairs: Nursing Assistant

Qualifications Basic Requirements:United States Citizenship: 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.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.Grade Determinations:GS-3 [NA] (Entry Level)(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 [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; ANDDemonstrated 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.GS-5 [NA] (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 in subparagraph (c) below; 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; ANDDemonstrated KSAs1.

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 [NAs] 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 G46The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5.Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.