Nursing Assistant - Patient Support Float Pool (Full/Part Time)

Veterans Health Administration • Wichita, KS

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, is recruiting full-time and part-time Nursing Assistants for its Patient Support Float Pool. Nursing Assistants work across a variety of health care settings, including outpatient, inpatient, home, and community living care, and provide care to patients and residents with acute to chronic conditions. The position may involve working in five different hospital areas, including sitting one-to-one with Veterans. The full-performance level is GS-5; selections may be made at GS-3 through GS-5. The schedule consists of various tours, including 1100–2330. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Six months of general experience demonstrating the ability to acquire Nursing Assistant knowledge and skills; or one year of post-high-school education with courses related to the occupation; or completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related Nursing Assistant training course or program of less than one year. A stated grandfathering provision may also apply to qualifying current VHA employees.
• For GS-4 qualification by experience: one year of specialized Nursing Assistant experience or experience in another medical field performing technical and nursing skills involving knowledge of human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and basic and intermediate treatments; alternatively, two years of post-high-school education in a related field, with transcripts, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• GS-4 candidates must demonstrate ability to provide patient/resident care and contribute to care plans and recovery; observe physical or emotional status and promptly report deviations or problems; use equipment and supplies for simple diagnostic and treatment procedures; and communicate effectively with patients, families, and health professionals.
• For GS-5 qualification by experience: one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 demonstrating skills directly related to the assignment; alternatively, a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with 24 semester hours of health-care-related courses, or possession of a bachelor’s degree, with transcripts.
• GS-5 candidates must demonstrate ability to assist with the full range of nursing care under a registered nurse and/or licensed vocational or practical nurse; communicate orally with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other personnel, including supporting new Nursing Assistants as a preceptor; and recognize and respond to emergent care situations while awaiting assistance.
• Selected applicants are subject to background and security investigation, required onboarding, and pre-employment drug testing if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position. Applicants who refuse required testing will be denied employment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Applicants must complete the application requirements in the announcement’s Required Documents section.
• A one- or two-year trial period is required, during which continued employment is evaluated and must be certified in writing as advancing the public interest.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and from an accredited institution. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.

Nice To Haves

• Previous hospital nurse aide experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Use glucose-monitoring machines to collect and document readings.
• Maintain positive therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and significant others.
• Observe patients and residents, collect data, and report and record observations.
• Provide nursing care addressing hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, activity, exercise, and rest.
• Participate in group activities, including off-station trips, reality orientation, and other therapeutic groups.
• Apply proper body mechanics while caring for patients.
• Report patient observations to the registered nurse and other members of the treatment team.
• Organize and obtain routine supplies and equipment.
• Safeguard patients’ right to privacy and protect confidential information.
• Monitor patients in accordance with required policies and procedures.
• Assist nursing staff and other care-team members with patient care under the level of supervision appropriate to the assigned grade.
• At the GS-5 level, respond to emergent patient-care situations while awaiting assistance and support the orientation and practical experience of new Nursing Assistants.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED