Location: San Francisco,CA, USA
Summary The Nursing Assistant (NA) will be responsible for delivering safe patient/resident care at the San Francisco VA Health Care System in the Community Living Center. The NA is a member of the nursing care team and will assist licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving long stay care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, dementia care, and/or hospice. Responsibilities **This position is eligible of a Retention incentive: The criteria for the Nursing Assistant group incentive are as follows: a. This group incentive is for Nursing Assistant (GS 0621) at the SFVA Medical Center, Community Living Center. b. Performance rating of Fully Successful or higher. c. Employees will be eligible for this retention incentive by receiving/maintaining a fully satisfactory rating or higher for the entire current rating period. d. Employees who are currently covered by a recruitment/relocation or other service agreement that obligates the employee to a specific period of service obligation will not be covered by this retention agreement. e. Between GS-3 through 5 grade levels. f. New hires will receive the retention incentive after 90 days of employment and meets fully successful or higher **This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 2nd, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 16, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates every 2 weeks. Eligible applications received after that date will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.** Nursing Assistants function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded CNA/NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving 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 CNA/NAs, or other healthcare professionals. The duties of the Nursing Assistant includes, but are not limited to: Demonstrates dependability and reliability by scheduling and using leave appropriately for positive impact on patient/resident care. Recognizes and reports subtle or obvious changes in patient's/resident's behavior, communication, or physical condition. Documents observations, changes in patient's/resident's condition, and response to nursing interventions as applicable. Assists in the development of the nursing care plan and quality assurance performance improvement (QAPI) activities by defining problems, needs, and suggesting actions based on information gained through interaction with the patient/resident and/or group meetings. Provides restorative nursing care with oversight by RN. Works with assigned patients/residents using a variety approaches for the purpose of promoting independence, maintaining practicable level of functioning, self reliance, and encouraging patients/residents to accept responsibility for their own behavior. Shares patient/resident information and reactions with the interdisciplinary team. Assists in maintaining a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment. Recognizes and reports problems and makes suggestions for corrective actions. Anticipates potential for critical situations attempts to prevent such situations. Recognizes and takes appropriate action in emergencies. Delivers safe, basic physical and emotional care to patients/residents with simple to complex needs while developing technical skills. Demonstrates proper hand hygiene and utilizes appropriate isolation precautions as needed. Assists with escorting patient's/resident's to appointments using stretcher, wheelchair or other mobility device as needed. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm, 3:30pm-Midnight, 11:30pm-8:00am; Schedule based on organizational needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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. Education or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-3 (Entry Level) (a) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements (b) Assignments: Individuals assigned as GS-3 are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised. GS-4 (Entry Level) (a) 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 (b) Education: 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 (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 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. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. (d) Assignment:1. Individuals assigned as GS-4 Nursing Assistants are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. NA's at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs, 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 NAs or other healthcare professionals.2. In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs, 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 NAs, or other healthcare professionals. GS-5 (Full Performance Level) (a) 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 (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 AND (c) Demonstrated 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. (d) Assignment: This is the full performance level for NAs. NAs 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. NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role. Preferred Experience: Certification as Nursing Assistant. Experience in long-term care, skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation, hospice, and/or medical-surgical. Experience in healthcare related field with direct patient care. Salary for this position ranges dependent upon applicant qualifications Grade 3: $47,206-$61,366 annually Grade 4: $52,990-$68,882 annually Grade 5: $59,287-$77,068 annually References: VA Handbook 5005/81, PART II APPENDIX G46The full performance level of this vacancy is 5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 5. Physical Requirements: The population of male and female patients served ranges from the adult, age 18, to the elderly adult, age 65 and over. San Francisco VA Health Care System s a health care facility, providing acute medical, surgical, behavioral health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatric, and primary care services predominately to veterans, but in special cases, includes active duty military and civilian populations. This position requires visual acuity (Correctable to 20/40), hearing clear distinctive speech (correctable to 20db), and manual dexterity to perform prescribed procedures/computer usage. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or during patient 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, and is able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Ability to work varying hours of duty and be floated to other patient care areas as necessary. 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: 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: 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.