Nursing Assistant-Geriatric Extended Care

Veterans Health Administration • Perry Point, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Geriatric Extended Care (GEC) Nursing Assistant provides care to Veterans with physical and/or behavioral health issues. Nursing Assistants support licensed nursing staff in preventive, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. They manage complex, varying, and sometimes unpredictable cases under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Practical Nurse. The position is located at Perry Point.

The Nursing Assistant develops skills to participate in assessing, implementing, and evaluating nursing care. Duties are performed under close supervision and with appropriate training. The role includes providing direct care, observing and documenting changes in residents’ conditions, assisting with treatments and procedures within scope of practice, supporting resident autonomy and independence, and contributing to treatment planning and a safe care environment. The position also includes serving as a safe patient handling liaison, preceptor, and mentor to other Nursing Assistants, and orienting health care team members as appropriate.

The work schedule includes various shifts, including days, evenings, and nights, with rotating tours as needed. Telework is not authorized, and this is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-05; selections may be made at GS-03 to GS-05.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the basic experience or education requirement: six months of general experience; one year of education above high school with related courses; or completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related Nursing Assistant training course or program of less than one year.
• For GS-4 consideration, meet one of the stated alternatives: one year of specialized Nursing Assistant or other medical-field experience performing relevant technical and nursing skills; or successful completion of two years of post-high-school education in a relevant field, plus the required demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-4, demonstrate ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to nurse care plans and recovery; observe physical or emotional status and timely refer deviations or problems; properly use equipment and supplies for simple diagnostic and treatment procedures; and communicate effectively with patients, families, and health professionals.
• For GS-5 consideration, meet one of the stated alternatives: one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 with directly related knowledge, skills, and abilities; or successful completion of a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with 24 semester hours of health-care-related courses, or possession of a bachelor’s degree.
• For GS-5, demonstrate ability to assist with the full range of nursing care for patients/residents with physical or behavioral problems under an RN and/or LPN/LVN; communicate orally with patients, families, interdisciplinary teams, and other personnel, including serving as a preceptor to new Nursing Assistants; and recognize and respond to emergent care situations while awaiting assistance.
• Applicants must meet applicable education or certification/licensure requirements before hire; foreign education used to qualify must be supported by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.
• Pass a pre-employment evaluation and background/security investigation; selected applicants are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use and must complete online onboarding and required application documentation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from an accredited institution.

Nice To Haves

• Sub-acute and/or long-term care experience within the last three years.
• Med-Surg/acute care experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills to participate in assessing, implementing, and evaluating nursing care under close supervision and with appropriate training.
• Use a glucose monitoring machine to obtain Veterans’ glucose readings and refer deviations to appropriate health care staff.
• Provide direct care to Veterans with complex needs.
• Observe subtle changes in residents’ behavior, mood, skin color, appetite, and other conditions, and act within the Nursing Assistant’s assigned role.
• Document care provided, observations, and patient responses using appropriate tools, forms, and chart formats.
• Respond to patient changes by contacting appropriate nursing personnel.
• Provide complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning.
• Monitor and document patient intake and output, and report deviations promptly and accurately.
• Perform procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures, including enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, and application of braces and prosthetic devices.
• Conduct small-group activities according to the patient’s or resident’s treatment plan.
• Recognize residents’ autonomy and promote independence through respect, limit setting, and individualized treatment.
• Participate actively in Treatment Planning Meetings and treatment team meetings for resident care planning.
• Verbally provide patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in care plans.
• Use equipment to promote Veteran self-care, including lift equipment, Hydro sound Tubs, and the Veteran/Resident Wandering System.
• Help maintain a clean and safe environment; remove defective equipment, report hazards, observe safety regulations, contribute to infection control, and use proper aseptic technique.
• Serve as the unit safe patient handling liaison.
• Serve as a preceptor and mentor to other Nursing Assistants.
• Orient health care team members to the units as appropriate.
• Function as a member of the unit base counsel.
• Manage disruptive patient behavior, intervene appropriately, and request assistance from other health care team members.
• Initiate basic life support and take appropriate action in emergencies.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family income and other eligibility criteria.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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