Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Nursing Assistant (Float Pool) in Richmond, Virginia
Summary This is a Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) that will be used to fill a few vacant Nursing Assistant positions within the Float Pool unit in the Operations Department. This position is open to all Nursing Assistants currently seeking employment in Richmond, Virginia. Resumes will be referred to the hiring manager once the vacancy closes on Monday, April 28, 2025. You will receive an email notification when your resume has been referred to the hiring manager, if applicable. Responsibilities Nursing Assistants (NA) function as a member of the nursing care team and assist the medical team in the care of clinic patients receiving outpatient care in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness. NAs practice within the scope and certification of a CNA in the nursing unit. Provides direct patient/resident care in the provision of the psychological, physical, social, and cultural activities of daily living, complete and supportive. Provides reporting, communication, and documentation in the computerized patient record system and with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Maintains certification, BCLS, and currency in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, the PVAMC, VISN and National Agencies. Demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, application of technical standards and performance of administrative support duties. Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with standard operating procedures for the maintenance of reusable medical equipment. Major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: The incumbent must be able to perform with skill and effectiveness all duties associated with nursing assistant work under the supervision of the Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse. Measuring vital signs (to include temperature, pulse, respiration, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, weights and pain measurement). Proficient with chart documentation, direct patient care duties, patient and family teaching, and patient safety duties. Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort, spirit and recovery of the patient. Records treatments and observations in the electronic patient record. Recognizes and reports to the RN or provider any significant physical, emotional or behavioral changes in the patient. Ensures proper specimen collection to include labeling according to policy, handling and delivery to the laboratory. Transports patients and specimens to required destinations and prepares for and assists with examinations, diagnostic and therapeutic tests according to written procedures and policies. Assists with therapeutic treatment techniques to include conducting groups, 1:1 observations, the proper use of restraints, aseptic and deescalating techniques. Performs other related duties as assigned. Enter information into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Documents vital signs, treatments, procedures, and cardiac rhythm interpretations performed in CPRS. Practices excellent customer service in all work activities; poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with the health care team, patients, families and or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Work Schedule: Days/Evenings 730 - 8PM/730-4PM weekend & holiday rotation; Full-time and Part-time positions are available Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications 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 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 meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-5 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): (a) EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are directly related to the specific assignment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) 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. Transcript Required AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 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. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Prior experience in providing 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 Practical Nurse. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix, G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard, dated 03/12/2015. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-05. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical patient lifts are provided and are to be used to preserve patient and staff safety. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Lifting/carrying 45 lbs. or more; Standing; Sitting; Walking; Kneeling; Bending/Stooping; Twisting; Pushing/pulling, Both legs required; Simple grasping; Use of fingers, Both hands required; Fine manipulation (includes keyboarding); Reaching above shoulders; Near vision correctable at 1316" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correction in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing whispered voice (with or without aid); Emotional/mental stability; Walking on slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working with hands in water; Working closely with others; and Protracted or irregular hours of work. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information 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. 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.