Nursing Assistant- Geriatric Extended Care

Overview

The Nursing Assistant position is located at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) - Murfreesboro, TN campus in Geriatric Extended Care (8A).

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.
• 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.
• Experience or Education or Training:
  Six months of general experience.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA.
• OR One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
• OR Completion of an intensive - specialized - occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA may also meeting full the experience requirements for GS-3. Grandfathering Provisions:
  All NAs employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
• For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply:
  Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
• If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation - the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
• GS-3 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level):
  None beyond the basic requirements.
• Assignment:
  Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised.
• GS-4 Nursing Assistant:
  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) - GS-4: ? etc.
• 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.
• 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 health care professionals.
• GS-5 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level):
  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 - GS-5:
  Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to…