Job Listing: Nursing Assistant

Duty Locations

 10 vacancies - Phoenix, AZ

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  KL182008 (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

Tour of Duty:  Rotational, including weekends, nights, holidays
Long periods of moving about the work unit.  Bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting and repositioning patients or similar activities.
Exposure to infection and contagious diseases.  Special gloves, gowns or masks are required.
Major duties and responsibilities include:

Assists doctors and nurses
Performs duties such as monitoring vital signs, preparing and positioning the patient, diagnostic tests (i.e., venipuncture and electrocardiograms)
Arranges and passes medical instruments and materials to the doctor
Observes and reports changes in patient
Performs treatment procedures (i.e., inserting Foley catheters, performing oral suctions, setting up and regulating the flow of oxygen or monitoring the level of intravenous hydration fluids
Enters information onto the patients' records or charts
Performs patient charting
Performs direct patient support work (i.e., personal patient care, patient teaching)
Performs duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient
Takes care of patients' non-routine care and comfort needs
Teaches patients and family members proper health care
Performs other duties as assigned
***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 (Tuesday, April 08, 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 verification, 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. on Tuesday, April 08, 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 Tuesday, April 08, 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

KL182008

 

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 (03) you will accept for this position.

030405
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):

 

0320 Phoenix, AZ
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:

Select the appropriate answer to the following question based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position.

1. GS-03:  Do you possess six months of General Experience? 

General Experience:  Working around non-professional 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 performing duties such as:

*Providing personal nursing care such as providing pre- and post-operative care.

*Support duties of diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.

*Caring for mentally ill patients, including observing, recording and reporting changes in their behavior, and providing reassurance and encouragement

*Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions and draping and positioning patients.

A. Yes.
B. No.

2. GS-03:  Have you successfully completed one year of education above high school with courses in practical nursing or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for a psychology, psychiatric, geriatrics or operating room technician? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED  If you do not supply a copy of your transcript, your application package may not be processed.)

A. Yes.
B. No.

3. GS-03:  Do you have equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (as described in Question 2) and General Experience (as described in Question 1)? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED  If you do not supply a copy of your transcript, your application package may not be processed.)

A. Yes.
B. No.

4. GS-04:  Do you possess six months of General Experience? 

General Experience:  Working around non-professional 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 performing duties such as:

*Providing personal nursing care such as providing pre- and post-operative care.

*Support duties of diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.

*Caring for mentally ill patients, including observing, recording and reporting changes in their behavior, and providing reassurance and encouragement

*Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions and draping and positioning patients.

AND

Do you possess one year of Specialized Experience equivalent to at least the GS-03 level?

Specialized Experience:  Non-professional 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 performing duties such as:

*Providing personal nursing care such as providing pre- and post-operative care.

*Support duties of diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.

*Caring for mentally ill patients, including observing, recording and reporting changes in their behavior, and providing reassurance and encouragement

*Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions and draping and positioning patients.

A. Yes
B. No

5. GS-04:  Have you successfully completed two years of study above high school with courses in practical nursing or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for a psychology, psychiatric, geriatrics or operating room technician? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED  If you do not supply a copy of your transcript, your application package may not be processed.)

A. Yes
B. No

6. GS-04:  Do you have equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (as described in Question 5) and General Experience and Specialized Experience (as described in Question 4)? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED  If you do not supply a copy of your transcript, your application package may not be processed.)

A. Yes
B. No

7. GS-05:  Do you possess one year of Specialized Experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level?

Specialized Experience:  Non-professional 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 performing duties such as:

*Providing personal nursing care such as providing pre- and post-operative care.

*Support duties of diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.

*Caring for mentally ill patients, including observing, recording and reporting changes in their behavior, and providing reassurance and encouragement

*Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions and draping and positioning patients.

A. Yes
B. No

8. GS-05:  Have you successfully completed a four year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses in practical nursing or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for a psychology, psychiatric, geriatrics or operating room technician? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED  If you do not supply a copy of your transcript, your application package may not be processed.)

A. Yes
B. No

9. GS-05:  Do you have equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (as described in Question 8) and Specialized Experience (as described in Question 7)? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED  If you do not supply a copy of your transcript, your application package may not be processed.)

A. Yes
B. No

For each of the following tasks, choose the 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 had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or is normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

10. Provides basic nursing care to patients including bathing, feeding, oral care, bowel and bladder care, shaving, nail and hare care.

11. Provides range of motion exercises and assists with turning, lifting, moving, and positioning patients.

12. Assists in the development of the nursing care plan by defining problems and needs and suggesting nursing actions based on information gained through interaction with the patient and group meetings.

13. Works with assigned patients using a variety of approaches for the purposes of promoting independence and self-reliance and encourages patients to accept responsibility for their own behavior.

14. Performs irrigation.

15. Performs suctioning.

16. Performs catherization.

17. Provides direct patient care.

18. Works with medical equipment terminology and techniques.

19. Applies heat and cold locally and generally, applies and removes binders, slings and ace bandages, and assists with or changes simple non-sterile dressings when assigned.

20. Applies external catheters.

21. Performs oral suctioning.

22. Administers enemas.

23. Performs post-mortem care.

24. Understands, assembles and operates complex equipment.

25. Provides verbal information regarding deviations in the patients condition and charts the same in the medical record.

26. Performs a variety of duties which include recording and reporting to the supervisor deviations in blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, and weight.

27. Collects and labels a variety of specimens, i.e., urine, stool, sputum.

28. Tests urine for sugar and acetone.

29. Recognizes and reports to the nurse unusual situations or changes in appearance, condition or behavior of the patient.

30. Anticipates potential for critical situations and attempts to prevent such situations.

31. Recognizes and takes appropriate action in emergencies.

32. Gives patients and family after-care instructions.

33. Provides specific health information based on patient's condition.

34. Teaches patients and family members the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care.

35. Successfully communicates with patients and staff.

36. Provides and gathers information on the human body structure, function, illnesses and treatment procedures supporting patient charting and teaching.

37. Totals and records intake and output and charts vital signs.

38. Records in the medical record other routine care provided.

39. Instructs new patients on ward policy and orients to hospital environment.

40. Shares patient information and reactions with treatment team.

41. Performs safe patient handling by escorting patients to radiology, clinical appointments, off site trips.

42. Provides basic nursing care and comfort measures including personal hygiene, skin care, food and fluids, positioning, ambulation, assistance with elimination and application of protective devices. 

43. Reports changes in patients' physical or mental condition to RN.

44. Provides assistance with patient transfers to or from the bed, chair or stretcher. 

45. Performs cleansing of wounds.

46. Applies and removes simple sterile and non-sterile dressings and bandages, slings, ace bandages and elastic stockings.

47. Performs duties such as monitoring vital signs, preparing the patient and performing various diagnostic tests.

48. Assists doctors and nurses.

49. Provides direct health care to patients.

50. Trains others in medical technology.

51. Uses knowledge of body systems.

52. Uses medical terminology.

53. Uses medical terminology in maintaining patient records.

54. Works with medical supplies.

55. Uses knowledge of names and uses of medical supplies.

56. Keeps an inventory to ensure all medical supplies are kept at normal levels.

57. Maintains and stores medical supplies.

58. Obtains patient information to maintain medical records.

59. Enters patient health information into computer software program in addition to patient chart/records.

60. Follows a procedure or technique to enter patient health information and post patient charts.

61. Works in a medical office (or related healthcare environment) obtaining patient health  information and recording patient health information on medical chart/record.

62. Enters specific health related information on patients' records.

63. Trains others on how to encourage participation in recreational activities.

64. Works with different groups of people encouraging them during recreational activities.

65. Works with patients in a recreational environment.

66. Works with patients and encourages them to participate in various games and recreational activities.

67. Instructs patients on the importance of disease and illnesses follow-up care.

68. Gives patients and family members after care instructions.

69. Teaches patients with limited physical mobility about using proper body mechanics and post-operative breathing techniques.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Tuesday, April 08, 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 (KL182008), Position Title (Nursing Assistant), and grade (03/05);
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-LIT

Phone: (501)257-4134

Email: cavhs.deu@va.gov


Or write:
VHA DEU Little Rock
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
Thank You, AR 00000


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.