Nursing Assistant

Quick Facts

• Position: Nursing Assistant (NA), GS-3 to GS-5 (actual grade based on qualifications)

• Schedule: Rotating, 0630am–7:00pm

• Duty station: Temporarily at Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center (Muskogee, OK) until the new hospital opens in Tulsa at James Mountain Inhofe VAMC

Description

Provide direct care for complex veterans, monitor subtle changes in patient condition, and assist with nursing procedures within scope of practice and facility policy. Document care and observations, monitor intake/output, and communicate deviations promptly to nursing personnel. Participate in treatment planning, unit safety activities, infection control, and serve as a preceptor/mentor to other nursing assistants.

Role & Responsibilities

• Use a glucose monitoring machine and refer deviations to appropriate health care staff

• Observe and respond to subtle changes in resident condition (behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite) and take action within assigned NA role

• Document care given, observations, and responses on appropriate tools/forms; enter resident condition information in the chart

• Contact appropriate nursing personnel when patients/residents show subtle or emergent changes

• Administer complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning

• Monitor and document patient intake and output; report deviations timely and accurately

• Perform nursing procedures within scope (e.g., enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care/simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices)

• Support small group activities per each patient/resident treatment plan; promote independence and respect autonomy

• Participate in treatment planning meetings and provide patient information to the treatment team for the plan of care

• Use self-care support equipment (e.g., lift equipment, hydro sound tubs, wandering system)

• Maintain a clean, safe environment; follow safety regulations; remove defective equipment and report hazards

• Support infection control and use proper aseptic technique

• Serve as unit safe patient handling liaison; serve as preceptor/mentor and orient team members as appropriate

• Manage distributed patient behavior through appropriate interventions and request assistance when needed

• Initiate basic life support appropriately and take action while awaiting assistance

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Pass pre-employment physical evaluation

• Complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements

• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for VA Health Care Personnel

• Pass urinalysis drug screening if selected for a testing-designated position

• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959

• Meet GS-3 to GS-5 experience/education/qualification requirements as specified in the posting (general experience, related education/training, and progressively responsible specialized experience or higher education for higher grades)

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases

• Paid time off: 37–50 days annually (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)

• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service (for selected applicants)

• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment

• Potential child care subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees under the stated income threshold and cost limits

• Traditional federal pension (with vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions

• Federal insurance options: health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care (many may be carried into retirement)

• Eligibility for benefits depends on position type and status