Summary The St. Louis VA Medical Center is recruiting Full-time permanent Nursing Assistants for our Mental Health department,. Serves as a Nursing Assistant within Inpatient 51 North. Responsible personal patient care duties, supporting diagnostic procedures, technical nursing treatments, patient charting, and patient instruction which involves direct work relationships with patients and participation as a member of the nursing care team in direct services to patients. Responsibilities A Healthcare St. Louis is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. The Nursing Assistant may perform these duties in a variety of health care settings such as outpatient, inpatient, home or community living care, acute, sub-acute. The NA will care for patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions. GS-3 Duties: All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned tasks. Will learn to appropriately utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned veteran Maintains positive, therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations Is trained to set up patient care related equipment Organizes and obtains routine supplies and equipment. Assist with orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies. Work as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team. Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature. Uses proper safety practices. Learning to utilize equipment and supplies according to procedures. GS-4 Duties: Becoming proficient with maintaining positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families and/or significant others utilizing communication skills. Utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording. Participate in patient centered conferences/shift reports, and contributing information for the development and review of the nursing care plan. Maintain a therapeutic environment for patients according to established procedures and policies by reporting actual or potential accidents, fire hazards and faulty equipment. Competent with performing aspects of nursing care to meet patient/resident needs for: Performing and documenting prescribed medical treatment and interventions for patients, such as diabetic urine testing and blood testing, simple dressing changes. Learning to be proficient with the utilizing rehabilitative principles to promote patient independence and recovery, encouraging and guiding patient/residents in bowel and bladder training. Engaging in-group activities such as off-station trips, reality orientation, current events and other therapeutic groups with direction and close supervision. Monitors patients according to levels of observations i.e., one to one suicide, continuous observation, q 15-minute checks, and hourly rounding. GS-5 Duties: Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for veterans refers deviation to appropriate health care staff - Provides direct care for complex veterans. - Makes observations of subtle changes in resident's condition, i.e., behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and takes action accordingly within the NAs assigned role Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms. Responds appropriately to subtle patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personal Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning. - Monitor and documents patient intake and output reports deviations timely and accurately Performs nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures but not limited to: enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices, monitoring of Works on small group activities with veterans/residents according to the patients/resident treatment plan. Recognizes the residents' autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment. Actively participates in Treatment Planning Meetings. Utilizes equipment to promote the veteran self-care, such as; lift equipment, Hydro sound Tubs, and Veteran/Resident Wandering System. Work Schedule: Tour of Duty 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m. There are six (6) 12 hour shifts and one (1) 8 hour shift bi-weekly, including holidays and weekends. This announcement could be used to fill additional vacancies that may occur. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. Experience and Education: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course to study of less than one year as a nursing assistant may also meet in full experience requirements for GS-3. 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). Preferred Experience: Experience working with psychiatric patients preferred Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Knowledge of Current Practice: To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the current practice. Quality of Experience: To be creditable, Nursing Assistant experience must be documented on the application or resume and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. GS-3 - (Entry Level) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment - Individuals assigned as GS-3 Nursing Assistants are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 - Experience: One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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 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 the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. Assignment - Individuals assigned as GS-4 Nursing Assistants are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. Nursing Assistants at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded Nursing Assistant, 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 Nursing Assistants or other healthcare professionals. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded Nursing Assistant, 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 who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded Nursing Assistants, or other healthcare 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 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 the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): (1). Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse. (2). Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new [NAs] by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. (3). Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. Assignment - This is the full performance level for Nursing Assistants. Nursing Assistants at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff 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 distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. Nursing Assistants at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46 Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: Position requires light to heavy lifting and carrying (15 pounds - 45 pounds and over), pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, walking (5 hours), standing (3 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), use of fingers and both hands required. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Depth perception, and the ability to distinguish basic colors and shade of colors. Hearing (aid permitted). Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.