Job Listing: NURSING ASSISTANT

Duty Locations

 14 vacancies - Johnson City, TN

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  VM179565 (Include on all documents)

 

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-5. At the GS-4 grade level, the incumbent performs assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. The incumbent will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-5. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.
This position is located within the Nursing Service at the VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tennessee where you will be assigned to provide care for an adult/geriatric patient population ranging from the critically/acutely ill patient to the chronically/terminally ill long-term patient.  The work area may be either on a ward setting and/or with patients in transit or while in other designated places.  Major duties and responsibilities include:

Personal services to patients -

performing personal hygiene to patients, including shower, tub or bed bath,
providing nail, hair and oral care,
assisting with normal bladder and bowel elimination,
changing/making hospital bed,
applying supportive and protective devices, such as scrotal supports and splints as directed by the nurse,
applying comfort/safety devices, such as heel and elbow protectors as directed by the nurse,
performing range-of-motion activities,
ambulating patients,
reporting unusual conditions,
performing first aid measures for life threatening conditions,
feeding patients who cannot feed themselves,
performing tube feeding after nurse or physician have ascertained the correct placement of the feeding tube,
performing care to patient with indwelling urinary catheter,
caring for patients with casts or traction,
giving after-death care,
(C-G/Surgical only) caring for patients undergoing radioactive therapy,
(D-1/Oncology only) utilizing specail precautions as indicated in caring for patients receiving chemotherapy,
(NHCU and Long-term care only) assisting and encouraging patients to dress in personal clothing and to participate in activities of daily living,
(Admission or Emergency Room only) assisting with the application of casts;
Provision of safety -

applying and observing comfort and safety devices,
applying and observing protective/restraining devices,
utilizing the principles of infection control,
using sound judgement in emergency situations,
providing nursing measures for the care, safety and comfort of a patient in transit within the hospital complex or via ambulance off station,
utilizing proper body mechanics and mechanical lifting devices when lifting and moving patients,
maintaining confidentiality of care;
Communication skills to both communicate effectively with the patient and to document notes pertaining to the patient,
Therapeutic Duties/Diagnostic Duties -

administering enemas as instructed by the professional nurse,
administering tube feedings,
encouraging rehabilitation by assisting patients in and out of bed, ambulating patients, reinforcing the teaching of using canes, crutches, walters and wheelchairs,
performing passive range of motion exercises,
performing treatments, such as hot and cold applications, tracheostomy care, sterile dressings, wound irrigations, bladder irrigations, soaks and compresses,
setting up oxygen equipment and assisting with its administration,
assisting in the administration of IV fluids, and
Performing other related duties, as assigned.
TOUR OF DUTY:  Irregular rotating tours, including weekends and holidays.
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement (Sunday, April 06, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verifcation, if necessary.
You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. onSunday, April 06, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 06, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

VM179565

 

1. Title of Job

NURSING ASSISTANT 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (04) you will accept for this position.

0405
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Nursing Assistant
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0552 Johnson City, TN
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. Select the one statement below that best describes your ability to meet the basic requirements for this position at the GS-4 level. Please refer to the Qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for complete details.

A. At least six months general experience (any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work or experience that provided familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the position) AND 6 months specialized experience which includes nonprofessional nursing care in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home or other medical nursing or patient care facility.
B. One year specialized experience, which includes nonprofessional nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other medical, nursing or patient care facility.
C. Successful completion of a two-year degree program in a course of study with courses related to the position of Nursing Assistant. Transcript or course listing must be submitted with application.
D. Combination of education and experience. Transcript or course listing must be submitted with application.
E. None of the above.

2. Select the one statement below that best describes your ability to meet the qualification requirements for this position at the GS-5 level. Please refer to the Qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for complete details.

A. At least one year of specialized experience which includes nonprofessional nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other medical, nursing or patient care facility, or in such work as that of a home health aid.
B. Successful completion of a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelors degree with courses related to the duties of this position. Transcript or full course listing must be submitted with application.
C. Equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. Transcript or full course listing must be submitted with application.
D. None of the above.

3. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 4105C, No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?

A. Yes
B. No

For the following item(s), choose the ONE statement from the list below that best describes your knowledge, skill and ability. Answers MUST be supported with examples, explanations or additional information in the space provided. If you are applying using OPM Form 1203-FX you must submit your narrative responses on a separate piece of paper. Failure to provide adequate information may result in your final rating being reduced. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I am considered an expert, am consulted by others, or have provided training to others in this area.
B- I have above average or superior knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
C- I have average knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
D- I have some knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
E- I have little or no knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.

4. Providing a wide range of patient care procedures, treatments and techniques.

Please provide information to support your answer regarding patient care procedures, treatments and techniques. Include examples of your experience providing patient care (including activities of daily living), transporting patients, measuring and recording vital signs, etc.

5. Providing specialized nursing care to acute, chronic or terminally ill patients.

Please list the types of care you have provided such as hospice care, nasotracheal suctioning, fall prevention strategies, dementia care, prevention of ulcers, etc. Also detail any specialized nursing care duties you have performed (and proper techniques) such as irrigation of well-healed colostomies and general colostomy care, bladder catheterization, tracheotomy care and complex sterile dressing changes.

6. Safety-proper body mechanics and adherence to infection control standards.

Please support your answer by providing examples of proper body mechanics when providing patient care. What types of infection control standards you have followed? List examples of aseptic techniques (medical and surgical) that you have performed.

7. Communicating (both oral and written) in a medical setting.

Please provide information and/or examples to support your answer regarding your communication skills. Include examples of your ability to follow written and verbal instructions, provide simple directions to patients and accurately follow charting procedures when entering patient information such as pulse, blood pressure, temperature, input and output, etc.

8. Observing patients for changes (emotional and physical) and responding to emergency situations.

Please provide information to support your answer regarding changes in a patients condition. Include, if applicable, a time when you observed changes in a patient (i.e., deviation in color, pulse, condition of wounds and skin, reaction to treatments) and reported the changes to a Registered Nurse or supervisor. What types of emergency situations have you responded to?

9. Providing customer service.

Please provide information to support your customer service skills. Include your experience responding to patient care needs in a timely manner, handling issues or complaints, listening to customer feedback, and dealing with seriously ill and/or handicapped patients and their families.

For the following item(s), choose the ONE statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have education or training in this task, but have not performed it on the job.
C- I have occasionally performed this task on the job.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task.

10. Collecting specimens.

11. Recognizing the need for immediate or emergent care of patient.

12. Providing urinary catheter care.

13. Administering enemas.

14. Performing CPR.

15. Monitoring intravenous hydration fluids.

16. Observing patients for changes in condition.

17. Monitoring vital signs.

18. Accurately taking and recording measurements, such as respiration, pulse, weight and height.

19. Providing assistance, as needed, with personal hygiene, nutrition, elimination, rehabilitation, etc.

20. Transporting patients.

21. Assisting with general health education (i.e., reminding patients/family/care providers of importance of skin care, position changes, medication and dietary regimes).

22. Utilizing common medical terminology, such as terms for the human body, physical and emotional reactions, and nursing care.

23. Observing drainage tubes for potency, presence or absence of drainage, quantity and quality of drainage.

24. Administering oxygen as directed by professional nurse.

25. Providing nursing care to patients requiring isolation and sterile techniques.

26. Using proper body mechanics, appropriate lifts, wheelchairs, stretchers and scales to lift, move or weigh patients.

27. Sterile dressing changes (including packing and irrigation).

28. Inserting and removing rectal tubes.

29. Performing colostomy and bladder irrigations.

30. Entering patient information into electronic records.

For the following item(s), choose the ONE statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have education or training in this task, but have not performed it on the job.
C- I have occasionally performed this task on the job.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task.

31. Observing normal safety precautions.

32. Extracting information from medical and administrative records.

33. Comprehending and interpreting written directives.

34. Analyzing and interpreting routine information.

35. Searching files, documents or other sources for information.

36. Following instructions to complete assignments.

37. Obtaining facts for making decisions or recommendations.

38. Recommending solutions to routine problems.

39. Working with others to complete a project.

40. Maintaining security or confidentiality of records, equipment, and computer access.

41. Complying with patient privacy rules and regulations.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Sunday, April 06, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (VM179565), Position Title (NURSING ASSISTANT), and grade (04/05);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.  Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.  Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

 

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here - http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf .  Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
VHA Nationwide DEU

Phone: (610)466-2241

Fax: (478)757-3144

Email: Coatesville.Deu@va.gov


Or write:
Delegated Examining Unit MTNHM
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
Thank You, DE 00000

USA

Fax: (478)757-3144


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.