Nursing Assistant

Summary

THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on September 09, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 20, 2024 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. Please see the "What To Expect Next" area of the announcement which provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

03/06/2024 to 09/09/2024

* Salary

$31,512 - $70,797 per year

The salary range listed reflects the lowest Rest of US and the highest Togus, ME special salary table. Actual pay will be adjusted upon selection.

* Pay scale & grade

GS 3 - 5

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Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

* Bangor, ME

* Calais, ME

* Caribou, ME

* Lewiston, ME

* Show more locations (4)

* Lincoln, ME

* Portland, ME

* Rumford, ME

* Togus, ME

* Remote job

No

* Telework eligible

No

* Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

* Appointment type

Permanent -

* Work schedule

Full-time -

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

5

* Job family (Series)

0621 Nursing Assistant

* Supervisory status

No

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

* Announcement number

CBTD-12336114-24-TW

* Control number

780177100

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This job is open to

* The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Open to United States Citizens including Past/Current/Upcoming Graduates of VHA Health Trainee Programs (HPT) are eligible to apply (must send proof such as an SF-50 with application) and Other Federal Employees.

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Duties

This announcement is intended to fill current and future vacancies under various service lines at the VA Maine Healthcare System. The presence of a location does not necessarily indicate a current vacancy. Available shifts could be days, evenings, nights, or include weekends/holidays to cover shortages or high patient volume. Shift changes will be considered based on patient and facility needs. Service Lines/Unit assignments may include

Community Living Center

Emergency

Intensive Care/Special Care Unit

Mental Health

Primary Care

Sensory and Rehab

Geriatrics Extended Care

Acute Care

Nursing Specialty Care

Clinics Lewiston, Portland, Rumford, Lincoln, Calais, Bangor, Caribou

Operating Room

Inpatient Float Pool

Medicine Clinic/Surgical Clinic/Med Surge

Nursing Assistants 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 or other healthcare professionals. Depending on grade and assignment duties may include but are not limited to

* Under the direction of the RN the NA provides care to acutely ill patients including baths, personal hygiene, nutrition/feeding, elimination, intake and output. Including assisting with all activities of daily living (ADL). Under the direction of the RN the NA may initiate and assist with CPR per hospital policy. Practices under the model of Patient Centered Care while exhibiting the ICARE values. Maintains full patient confidentiality.

* Participates in the admission, transfer and discharge of patients. Prepares patient care rooms for admissions or transfers. Assists with removing patient specific items from the room at discharge.

* Performs active and passive range of motion exercises. Supports and assists patient with turning, moving, or transferring from bed to chair, commode etc. The NA will maintain competency and utilize lift equipment to practice safe patient handling.

* Assists with postmortem care of the body after death and transport of the body to the morgue.

* Performs assigned clinical procedures, such as; application of External Urinary Device's (EUD) and colostomy bags, unsterile soaks and compresses, hot and cold applications, elastic hose, binders, bladder scanning, and oral suctioning.

* Performs assigned technical procedures, such as blood glucose monitoring and quality controls, EKG's, taking and recording blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height, weight, incentive spirometer, collecting specimens, such as expectorated sputum, feces, urine-voided midstream and drainage collection bag.

* Documents vital signs, nursing care and belongings inventory list in the electronic medical record and on appropriate flow sheet.

* Practices techniques and principles of medical asepsis and infection control, (e.g., hand hygiene), care of linen, transmission precautions, etc. Must be aware of and actively practice principles of universal precautions.

* Assists the physician or nurse with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

* As directed provides assistance with transporting patients that are not critically ill independently from tests, procedures and appointments.

* Provides care for behavioral ill or restrained patients, to include but not limited to, those who are: suicidal, homicidal, interfere with medical devices, confused, have poor judgment or require 1:1 monitoring. Assignments may include restraint monitoring, safety monitoring and/or require physical checks every 15 minutes.

* Performs duties required of video monitoring patients; including management of the call system and role of the rounding NA.

* Observes patient receiving I.V. fluids and reports swelling, pain and or wetness at the needle site.

* Observes patient and reports changes in appearance, including physical and emotional reactions. Reports patient complaint of pain to RN/LPN.

* Functions as a "Safety Monitor" for patients who need close observation. Safety Monitor assignment includes providing care (baths, personal hygiene, feeding, elimination and intake and output) for patient and preventing patient from injury or interfering with the treatment by pulling out lines/IVs. Maintains constant supervision.

Work Schedule: Multiple tours and schedules available; May be scheduled to days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and off-tours to support facility needs.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: determined by unit/department

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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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.

* 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.

* 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.

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-3 Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4: 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.

GS-5 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 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;

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 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, APPENDIX G46, NURSING ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-621, dated 3/12/2015

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.

Physical Requirements: Work involves varying periods of sitting, standing and walking. Working with Veterans/residents requires bending, stooping, teaching, lifting, balancing, kneeling, pushing, i.e., wheelchairs, geri-chairs, litters and similar activities. Also, it may be necessary to perform such activities as CPR and psychiatric intervention at a unit-specific level.

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: 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:

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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.

* Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.

* Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

* This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position.

* The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.

* Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) 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.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

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.

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* Benefits

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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, resume, 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.