Nursing Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • Ann Arbor, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant works in Patient Care Services at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The role assists licensed nursing staff in caring for patients and residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. Assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs, ranging from predictable to unpredictable requirements.

The Nursing Assistant performs and documents treatments and interventions, monitors patients and residents, observes and reports changes in their condition, and carries out nursing procedures within the scope of practice and established policies. The role also supports patient independence and self-care, participates in treatment planning, and shares relevant information with the care team.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with alternating weekends and holidays. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-05; applicants may be selected at GS-03 through GS-05.

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding.
• Applicants selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position must undergo urinalysis screening for illegal drug use; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Must complete all application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the trial period.
• Basic qualification: six months of general experience demonstrating ability to acquire Nursing Assistant knowledge and skills; or one year of post-high-school education with related courses; or completion of an intensive, specialized occupation-related Nursing Assistant training course of less than one year.
• For GS-04, qualify through one year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or in another medical field performing technical and nursing skills, or through two years of post-high-school education in relevant courses; also demonstrate the listed GS-04 knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• GS-04 knowledge, skills, and abilities include providing a range of patient/resident care and contributing to the nurse care plan and recovery; observing physical or emotional status and timely referring deviations; properly using equipment and supplies for simple diagnostic and treatment procedures; and communicating effectively with patients, families, and health professionals.
• For GS-05, qualify through one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-04, or a qualifying bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of health care-related courses or a bachelor's degree; also demonstrate the listed GS-05 knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• GS-05 knowledge, skills, and abilities include assisting with the full range of nursing care for patients with physical or behavioral problems under a registered nurse and/or licensed vocational/practical nurse; communicating orally with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other personnel, including serving as a preceptor to new Nursing Assistants; and recognizing and responding to emergent care situations while awaiting assistance.
• A transcript must be submitted when education is used to meet qualification requirements. Education must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.
• A satisfactory physical examination is required upon appointment.
• Physical capabilities include visual acuity (glasses permitted), keen hearing (hearing aids permitted), clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity, and the ability to walk, stand, stoop, sit, bend, pull, and push for potentially extended periods.
• Must be able to lift under 15 pounds and carry 15–44 pounds; transferring patients and objects may be required.
• Must be able to work effectively in stressful situations, shift priorities based on patient needs, and maintain maturity, flexibility, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed nursing staff in providing preventive, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care.
• Perform and document prescribed medical treatments and interventions, including diabetic urine and blood testing and simple dressing changes.
• Monitor patients according to observation levels, including one-to-one suicide observation, continuous observation, 15-minute checks, and hourly rounding.
• Monitor Veterans at risk of harming themselves or others, follow established policies and procedures, and refer concerns to the charge nurse or another health care professional.
• Use proper body mechanics while caring for patients.
• Report patient status to the registered nurse and document pertinent observations in the medical record.
• Set up patient-care equipment, including hypothermia machines, oxygen delivery systems, and portable and wall suction, and assist in monitoring its proper functioning.
• Use glucose monitoring equipment to collect glucose values and refer deviations to appropriate nursing staff or another health care provider.
• Observe changes in residents' behavior, mood, skin color, appetite, and other aspects of their condition, and take appropriate action within the assigned role.
• Document care, observations, and patient responses using appropriate tools, forms, and chart formats.
• Respond to subtle patient changes by contacting appropriate nursing personnel.
• Provide tracheostomy care, including suctioning.
• Monitor and document patient intake and output, and report deviations promptly and accurately.
• Perform procedures within the scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures, including enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressings, and application of braces and prosthetic devices.
• Lead or support small-group activities in accordance with patient or resident treatment plans.
• Respect resident autonomy and promote independence through respect, limit setting, and individualized treatment.
• Participate in treatment planning meetings and provide patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in the plan of care.
• Use equipment to promote self-care.
• Assist in the full range of nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse and/or licensed vocational or practical nurse.
• Recognize and respond to emergent care situations, intervening while waiting for assistance as appropriate.
• For applicable GS-05 assignments, assist with the coordination of new Nursing Assistants' orientation and oversee and assess their practical experience in a clinical setting.

Benefits

• Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period based on federal service; selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed