Nursing Assistant

About the role

The VA Western New York Health Care System is seeking a highly qualified full-time Nursing Assistant to serve as a member of the Nursing Care team located in Batavia, New York.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required (non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy).
• English language proficiency (spoken and written) per VA Handbook 5005‑II‑3‑A‑3j.
• Experience/Education/Training – one of the following:
  • Six months of general experience demonstrating ability to acquire NA knowledge and skills;
  • One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation;
  • Completion of an intensive specialized occupation‑related training course of less than one year as a NA;
  • Qualification under the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria.
• Grade‑specific requirements:
  • GS‑3: No additional experience beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS‑4: Either one year of specialized experience as a NA or in another medical field (LPN, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.) performing technical/nursing skills requiring knowledge of human physical/emotional states, therapeutic communication, and basic/intermediate treatments; OR successful completion of 2 years of college above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care, or appropriate specialization (e.g., psychology, psychiatric, OR tech).
  • GS‑5: Either one year of progressively responsible assignments equivalent to GS‑4 level demonstrating related KSAs; OR successful completion of a 4‑year bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of health‑care related courses (or a bachelor's degree).
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) – see Skills section.
• Physical requirements: refer to VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service.

Responsibilities

• Maintain positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families, and significant others using learned communication skills.
• Begin to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting, and recording patient/resident observations.
• Learn to perform aspects of nursing care under close supervision and direction/guidance from a preceptor in the areas of:
  • Personal hygiene
  • Physical comfort
  • Activity – exercise – rest
  • Nutrition
  • Elimination
  • Prevention of skin breakdown
  • Rehabilitative aspects of care
• Begin to engage in group activities such as off‑station trips, reality orientation, current events, and other therapeutic groups.
• Learn to utilize principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients.
• Report patient observations to the RN and/or other members of the treatment team.
• Set up patient‑care related equipment.
• Organize and obtain routine supplies and equipment.
• Assist with orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies.
• Work as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team.
• Safeguard patient privacy by protecting confidential information.
• Use proper safety practices.
• Learn to use equipment and supplies according to procedures.
• Follow procedures for use of patient‑care equipment to prevent injury to self or others in all settings (e.g., use of lifting equipment).

Skills

• Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to completion of the nurse care plan and patient/resident recovery.
• Ability to observe patients/residents’ physical or emotional status and refer deviations/problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Ability to properly use equipment, materials, and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures (e.g