CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT

About the role

The Nursing Assistant GS-5 assigned to Acute Care functions as a member of the health care team. In addition to demonstrated knowledge, skill, and ability at the GS-4 Nursing Assistant level, the Nursing Assistant GS-5 develops increased skills and acquires knowledge of more extensive, complex procedures.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship (non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA Policy).

• Six months of general experience demonstrating the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a Nursing Assistant.
• OR One year of education above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation.
• OR Completion of an intensive, specialized occupation‑related course of study (or program) of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant may meet the 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 (applicable only to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS‑4 level demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities directly related to the specific assignment OR successful completion of a 4‑year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of health‑care courses or possession of a bachelor's degree.

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; includes serving as a preceptor to new nursing assistants by assisting with 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 (e.g., recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding, assisting with behavior crisis).

Preferred Experience:

• Venipuncture experience.
• One year of