Nursing Assistant

Summary

This position is located in Red Lake Hospital within the Bemidji Area Indian Health Service. The position serves as a support staff, responsible for the prioritizing of tasks as assigned under the supervision of licensed professional nursing staff utilizing universal precautions and insuring a safe, clean and orderly environment conducive to the delivery of quality nursing care.

Duties

Help

• Provides age specific nursing care to all categories of patients in accordance with education and experience under professional supervision. Provides basic nursing care to patients with a variety of conditions, illnesses, and/or injuries (ie. Routine pre and post op care; routine care of simple wounds, apply and remove simple binders, dressings, slings, braces, etc; apply heat and cold packs, assist patient in ambulation, transferring, positioning; etc.) Assist with assessment of patient by undressing, obtaining TRP, BP, height and weight, caring for patient clothing and possessions, and assessing patient condition.
• Shares in the responsibility of maintenance of clinical records and nursing care plans. Adheres to confidentiality policies and the Privacy Act. Responsible for accurate input into unit computer systems such as EHR. Assist with the arrangement of clinic appointments and discharge/transfer transportation per nursing policy. Escorts patients to other departments. Maintains a courteous and professional manner in contact with patients, family, and other customers. Assist in answering phone and supplying routine information per unit procedures. Does simple diagnostic screening such as accuchecks, etc., Maintains patient safety and comfort by observing and reporting of unsafe equipment or practices. Assess the need for and initiates life support techniques when indicated.
• Performs general maintenance in duties including cleaning, arranging and restocking supply cabinets; cleaning and sorting supplies, instruments and equipment; calling attention to deficiencies in supplies.
  
  

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

Must pass pre-employment examination.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period

ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period

U.S. Citizenship is required

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Basic Requirement(s)

Experience: Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing such duties as:

• Providing pre- and post-operative patient care.
• Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients.
• Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients.
• Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients.
• Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.
  
  

For GS-4: 6 months of nursing experience is required.

For GS-5 and above: 1 year of nursing experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level is required.

OR

Education And Training

For GS-4: Successful completion of a 2-year degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, or college or university 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, or operating room technician.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

Minimum Qualifications

Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks:

GS-04: Performing a variety of 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.

GS-05: Providing personal nursing care to react in an emergency situation gathering data, observing patients and reporting to physicians and nurses. Obtaining vital signs and identifying the emergent/non-emergent situations.

Time In Grade

Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There are no education requirements, however if you are planning to substitute experience for education, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Additional information

This position is being announced concurrently under the Excepted Service Examining Plan/Merit Promotion Plan. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-24-BJ-12270011-ESEP/MP; for eligibility requirements. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL THE VACANCY IS FILLED. IT MAY BE EXTENDED OR CLOSED PRIOR TO THE CURRENT CLOSING DATE. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 11:59 EST TUESDAY TO BE CONSIDERED, CUT OFF DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 01/23/2024 AND EVERY TUESDAY THERE AFTER.

Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.

This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: https://www.usphs.gov/.

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.