GS-3 NAs are entry-level, learning basics like hygiene and monitoring under supervision. GS-4 NAs perform treatments with more autonomy. GS-5 NAs manage complex care, mentor, and respond to emergencies, working more independently but under RN oversight. All roles prioritize patient care, safety, and teamwork, with increasing responsibility from GS-3 to GS-5. 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. (1) 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. 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). 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. 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; AND 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. Preferred Experience: Certified Nursing Assistant 2-years Experience Long-term Care or Rehabilitation Experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Moderate carrying, under 15-44 pounds Straight pulling (1 hour) Pushing (1-3 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (4 hours) Standing (2-7 hours) Kneeling (2 hours) Repeated bending (2 hours) Climbing, use of legs and arms Both legs required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Specific visual requirement (20/40 DVA; corrected) Both eyes required Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Sitting (8 hours) Simple grasping (2-4 hours) Fine manipulation (including keyboarding 4-6 hours) Twisting (2 hours) Mental and emotional stability Environmental Factors: Outside and inside Excessive Heat Excessive cold Dust Slippery or uneven walking surfaces Working closely with others Working alone Exposure to TB & other diseases Working in patients' homes ["Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Nursing Assistant - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Nursing-Assistant-Career-Flyer.pdf Embrace a career with the VA in San Antonio, TX, where the rich tapestry of Texan culture enriches your work life. Serve those who served us in a community known for its warmth, history, and vibrant festivals. Here, your healthcare career intertwines with the spirit of Alamo courage and Fiesta celebrations, making every day an opportunity to make a profound impact. Nursing Assistants for Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center Patient Care Responsibilities: They will provide quality nursing care to patients aged 18 to over 100 years. This includes taking and recording vital signs, height, weight, allergies, and primary complaints, as well as collecting specimens for lab tests. Nursing Assistants will assist with or provide full personal hygiene care, manage bowel and bladder needs, and ensure proper patient positioning, lifting, transferring, and ambulation using assistive devices. Specialized Duties: Nursing Assistants will handle external urinary devices, measure and record outputs, and perform bladder scans. They are also responsible for operating specialized medical equipment such as traction devices, mechanical lifts, and oxygen supplies. Additionally, they will conduct EKGs and care for patients receiving intravenous therapy. Educational and Emergency Responsibilities: They will educate patients and their families on post-care, mobility, and colostomy care. In emergencies, they will assist or initiate measures like airway maintenance and seizure management. GS-3 Nursing Assistant Duties: Learning basic duties under close supervision. Assisting with glucose monitoring and documentation. Maintaining therapeutic relationships with patients. Developing observation skills for patient care reporting. Performing basic nursing tasks like hygiene, comfort, and nutrition under guidance. Engaging in group activities for therapeutic purposes. Learning proper body mechanics and equipment use. Reporting observations to higher-level staff. Setting up patient care equipment and managing supplies. Assisting with patient and family orientation to unit routines. GS-4 Nursing Assistant Duties: Providing a range of patient care under supervision. Observing and reporting changes in patient's condition. Using equipment in basic diagnostic and treatment procedures. Communicating effectively with patients, families, and health professionals. Completing care assignments safely and on time. Participating in quality improvement, meetings, and committees. Documenting care metrics like vital signs and glucose levels. Implementing interventions to prevent pressure ulcers and falls. Assisting with patient education and recreational activities. Recognizing and initiating life-saving measures in emergencies. GS-5 Nursing Assistant Duties: Providing full range of nursing care with more autonomy. Mentoring and precepting new nursing assistants. Recognizing and responding to emergent patient situations. Completing comprehensive care documentation. Using complex equipment for patient handling and care. Implementing patient safety measures like fall prevention. Participating in patient education and recreational planning. Conducting patient assessments and communicating findings. Establishing therapeutic relationships across the care team. Responding to fire, safety, and infection control scenarios. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, Nights/Weekends/Holidays Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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