The Extended Care Certified Nursing Assistant is a key member of the Community Living Center treatment team. The role of the NA is to perform a very wide range of resident personal care, diagnostic services, treatment and charting activities on a regular and continuing basis in a short stay rehabilitation or long-term care ward. Extended Care serves the Community Living Centers at Menlo Park and Livermore as well as Sub-Acute and Hospice at Palo Alto. 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 Nursing Assistant 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. Nursing Assistants 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:GS-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level). Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Nursing Assistant. 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). 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 Nursing Assistant (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 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 ["The incumbent is a member of the interdisciplinary team and supports recreational activities on the unit. Major duties include, but may not be limited to: Assists with admissions, transfers, discharges, postmortem care and nursing care procedures specific to the ward. Assists with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including: bathing, showering, shaving, grooming, toileting, feeding, ambulating, weighing, and positioning residents with prescribed physical limitations. Teaches and guides residents in the development of cleanliness and sound health practices in all aspects of daily living. Feed and assists residents during meals. Observes aspiration precautions. Alert to special dietary needs and takes action according to the resident's diagnosis and behavior. Supports and reinforces diet instructions such as those given to diabetics and others on special diets and restrictions. Obtains and records vital signs and intakes and outputs, and empty foley bags as needed. Uses skills and knowledge of basic normal versus abnormal vital signs to alert the Registered Nurse and adapt resident care activities. Observes Infection Control Policies and Procedures Assists with the transferring and transporting of residents to test/procedures via gurneys and wheelchairs. Uses knowledge of individual special interest and skills in guiding and motivating the resident. Assists in performing selected rehabilitation techniques such as range of motion, speech retraining, with the ultimate goal of residents return to active community living. Adheres to Close Observation/Suicide Precaution Policy and Procedures when caring for residents who are deemed high risk. Performs diagnostic tests within their scope of practice and training, including fingerstick blood glucose and bedside EKG. Gives meaningful instructions and explanations to resident regarding purposes of special diagnostic tests and procedures. Administers treatments such as foley care and bowel care. K. Uses the SBAR format when communicating vital information and/or changes of condition. Work Schedule: Various tours based on unit needs Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.