They observe and report changes in patients' behavior and signs of changes in condition and generally assist the registered nurse and the physician with procedures and examinations. At the lower grade levels, they bathe patients and perform other hygienic and comfort measures, take and record temperatures, pulse and respiration, and apply simple dressings, and give uncomplicated treatments. Nursing assistants also perform or assist in the performance of more responsible duties at the higher grades. They provide preoperative or postoperative care of patients, set up and operate special apparatus and equipment, prepare and administer selected medications, carry out sterile medical and surgical techniques in wards, and assist in performing special tests and examinations. Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Experience is typically in or related to the work of the position described.
For GS-4, except for the substitution provided below, candidates must have had 6 months of General Experience and 6 months of Specialized Experience. This is any type of work which demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or experience which provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients. Successful completion of a two year Associate Degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, e.g., nursing, physiology, psychiatric technician, operating room technician, etc. The candidate must have satisfactorily completed courses that involved clinical practice in medical and surgical nursing and infant and childcare.