Inpatient Nursing Assistant Job in Birmingham, AL

Vacancy No. CBTB-12835984-26-LI Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $44,653.00 to $64,940.00 Grade 4 to 5
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/24/2025 Close Date 12/4/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Birmingham, AL


Summary

This position is located on the inpatient units, resource management, and in the escort department in Patient Care Service. Incumbents in this position are responsible for the entire scope of patient care, to include direct patient care, patient admission, discharge, transfer, errand duties, and delivery of medical supplies/equipment when needed.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Duties

All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task.

  • Bathes patients and changes linens
  • Positions patient and provides pillows and blankets for comfort; adheres to turning schedules
  • Prepares patient for safe transport; providing comfort, safety and dignity. Transports patients safely
  • Fills water pitchers
  • Measures and records vital signs, intake and outputs, weights and other measurements
  • Provides mouth, eye and nose care
  • Provides Foley catheter and peritoneal care.
  • Communicates all care with patient, giving special attention to details of care since patients are often too ill to provide care
  • Observes patient for changes in condition, such as color, respirations, drainage, level of consciousness etc., and reports changes to Registered Nurse assigned to care and/or Charge Nurse
  • Assists patient with bedpan and urinal
  • Provides 1:1 observation for patients at risk for suicide or harm per policy/procedure
  • Provides care to 1:1 patient
  • Checks restraints for proper application and patient comfort.
  • Keeps bedside and patient room neat and uncluttered.
  • Promotes a sense of worth and dignity to the patient by addressing him/her properly (Mr. / Mrs.) and in a courteous manner
  • Documents an flow sheets and in CPRS with clear description of observations and actions performed and patient responses
  • Varies order and sequence of assigned procedures based on patient condition and adjusts to changes in work assignment in a professional and pleasant manner
  • Properly collects specimens and assures proper labeling and security of lids and bagging in biohazard bag before sending for processing
  • Makes sure that the responsible person is aware of patient's and/or specimen's arrival before leaving the unit
  • Assures that patients arrive at designated areas for tests and/or treatments on time.
  • Transports and remains with patients when sent to other departments within the facility.
  • Utilizes the ticket to ride for patient transport and ensures handoff
  • Takes care of patient's non-routine care and comfort needs.
  • Provides careful observation to ensure that intravenous fluids; oxygen, nasal gastric, urinary and/or other drainage tubing or chest tubes remain intact.
  • Performs complex dressing changes with application of simple ointments.
  • Reports any problems to the Registered Nurse and/orCharge Nurse
  • Provides and/or assists with emergency care (initiates CPR, applies pressure to bleeding sites, positions patients on side if vomiting occurs, etc.)
  • Uses universal precaution and isolation techniques to protect the patient and others against infection.
  • Reports and records significant data on proper forms, and in CPRS accurately and completely. Reports and records significant data regarding changes in patient condition when indicated.
  • Communicates effectively with all levels of health care personnel, patients, visitors, families, etc. in person and via telephone, using proper terminology and speaking in a professional manner
  • Participates in hourly rounds, ensure the patient environment is safe from clutter, bedside table and essential items are within reach, call light is within reach, toileting and positioning needs are met
  • Obtains places and manages telemetry boxes and leads per established policy and procedure.
  • Secures patients properly in wheelchairs and/or stretchers for safe, comfortable transport and ensures patient is fully covered.
  • Uses sound body mechanics and safe patient handling equipment
  • Assists the patient in the use of assistive devices as indicated and recognizes patient's post-operative and post-procedural needs.
  • Will appropriately utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned patient
  • Maintains a positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills.
  • Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations
  • Complies with infection control guidelines, such as hand washing, restocking gloves, replacing sharps containers and keeping work surfaces clean.
  • Properly disposes of soiled/contaminated dressings and linens in the appropriate receptacle.
  • Participates in facility, service and unit performance improvement activities.
  • Implements recommendations from surveys and monitors to achieve maximum patient satisfaction.

Work Schedule: Full Time 3:30pm to 12am(8hour shift) or 7:00pm to 7:30am(12hour shift) with rotating weekends & holidays
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement: FS00278
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • 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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the [NA] occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year [ ] as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements.
  • English Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:

GS-04 Experience and Education: One year of specialized experience as a [NA] or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR

Education.
Successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians;
AND
1.Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.
2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
3. Ability to 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.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals.

GS-05 Experience and Education: One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; OR,

Education. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND

Demonstrated KSAs1. Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse.
2. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving 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.3. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/81 PART II APPENDIX G46

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.

Physical Requirements: This position requires walking. standing, stooping, lifting (not more than 10 lbs.), bending, pushing (not more than 10 lbs.), and pulling (not more than 10 lbs.). Must be able to utilize good body mechanics and have stamina to withstand stress.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

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.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.



Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • REQUIRED: Resume/ CV. Your resume or CV should include the vacancy announcement information and personal information including: current/ prior Federal service information, education information, work experience which includes job title, duties, and responsibilities, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and telephone number, starting and ending dates of employment, hours worked per week, and salary. Please indicate whether your supervisor(s) can be contacted.
  • REQUIRED: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your most recent SF 50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
  • REQUIRED: VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
  • REQUIRED: Unofficial copy of your transcript.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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 12/04/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12835984.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.

Agency contact information

Lasaundra Ibrahim
Phone
314-528-0937
Email
Lasaundra.Ibrahim2@va.gov
Address
Birmingham VA Medical Center
700 South 19th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.