Nursing Assistant

Summary

The Nursing Assistant (NA) is an integral part of the care team that performs basic nursing duties under close supervision under RNs, LPNs, and Experienced NAs within the Community Living Center (CLC), the Acute Rehabilitation Unit and the Blind Rehabilitation Unit. The NA performs activities of daily living and provides a range of care that contributes to the Veteran's treatment plan, recovery, and wellness under the direction of a licensed health care provider.

Duties

GS-3 ASSIGNED FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Utilizes observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording veteran/resident observations. Performs reporting, communication and documentation in the computerized EHR, Caribou, Microsft Teams, Outlook ) with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Performs aspects of nursing care to meet patient's needs for the following under close supervision of RN or LPN: (personal hygiene and grooming, physical comfort, activity, exercise, rest, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, and rehabilitative aspects of care. Engages in group activities such as off-station trips, reality orientation, current events and other therapeutic groups. Responsible for escorting veterans /residents and transporting items within the campus. Utilizes principles of proper body mechanics and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury to self or others in all settings such as utilization of lifting equipment. Organizes and obtains routine supplies and equipment. Assists with orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies. Works as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team. Safeguards the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature. Uses proper safety practices. Utilizes equipment and supplies according to procedures. Completes all mandatory training within appropriate timeliness and maintain BLS. Expected to work towards obtaining CNA certification. Actively participates in annual competency assessment and validation. Any additional tasks associated within the position description. GS-4 ASSIGNED FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Observes patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. Properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc. Communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. Any additional tasks associated within the position description. GS-5 ASSIGNED FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrates all competencies at the GS-3 and GS-4 skills level in addition to: Assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in an inpatient setting. Communicates orally with veterans/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. Serves as a preceptor to new nursing assistants by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. Recognizes and reacts to emergent veteran/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance (example - recognizing the need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.). Utilizes glucose monitoring machine, records reading and refers deviations to appropriate staff. Observes subtle changes in resident's condition and takes the appropriate action. Documents all care given and observes changes within the patient. Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning. Performs nursing procedures within the scope of practice, according to policies and standard practice. Works on small group activities with patients/residents according to their treatment plan. Promotes independence and self care. Maintains a clean and safe environment. Orients members of the health care team to the units as appropriate. Initiates basic life support and takes appropriate action. Any additional tasks associated within the position description. Work Schedule: 7:30PM - 08:00AM, (rotating weekends and holidays) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 08702F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/29/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13093681. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) Professional Certification Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Additional information

Salary per Grade: GS-3 ($39,373 - $51,190), GS-4 ($44,197 - $57,460), GS-5 ($49,449 - $64,285. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.