Duties
The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:
The Nurse Assistant (NA) assigned to the VHAPORHCS Specialty Care Clinics, under the Division of Hospital and Specialty Medicine, provides outpatient clinical services for the subspecialties such as Medicine, Surgery, and Neurology. Services are routinely provided Monday through Friday between the hours of 0730-1800. The NA functions as a team member as assigned by the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) under the guidance of a Registered Nurse or licensed independent practitioner. The NA works at the direction of a licensed nurse, with supervision or monitoring by a licensed nurse. The NA performs patient centered care to Veterans throughout the lifespan, and provides medical assistive care and administration support when needed. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to observe, identify, and respond to the patient's need for nursing care, recognizing deviations from baseline and reporting to licensed personnel. Nursing procedures include but are not limited to specimen collection, maintaining the care environment, virtual care, dressing removal, home meter downloading, urological procedures,Echocardiogram (EKG), capillary blood glucose test, equipment assisted care, dermatological procedures, vital signs, orthostatic blood pressure measurement, timed walk test, documentation, assisting with invasive and non-invasive procedures, hand hygiene and hand hygiene observation, set up and closing of clinic and supply for operational and continued readiness, use of safe patient handling equipment and assistive devices, handling reusable medical equipment/devices, pre-treatment of reusable medical equipment/devices according to policy, proper disposal of hazardous waste, patient transport and repositioning, preventing falls, maintaining oxygen flow using available equipment at pre-established rate for stable patients, assisting patients with dressing or toileting, emptying catheter or ostomy bags. The incumbent will deploy proactive customer service and active listening and will also engage in rapport building, limit setting, and de-escalation as applicable. The Specialty Care NA must demonstrate flexibility and will be expected to work in multiple clinics and areas within duty station and with multiple services to meet patient volume and acuity demands throughout the shift.
Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to provide a full range of care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the LPN and RN to appropriately orient/train less experienced NAs, Health Technicians (HTs), and students in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes and prescribed treatment regimes. They are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. Completed work may require occasional higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.
The population of Veterans served ranges from the adult, age 18, to the elderly adult, age 65 and over. Age-related and cultural interventions appropriate to cognitive, physical, and emotional needs will be employed at all times, tailored to the individual patient, incorporating knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development. The incumbent must be poised, articulate, adaptive, and respectful in communicating with and caring for people of varied educational, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Care will be provided to Veterans without discrimination and harassment, tailored to their needs, regardless of a Veteran's age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. Knows how to obtain translation services for patient or families with limited English language proficiency or who need sign language services.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 08:00am-4:30pm Intermittent
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
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.
- 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).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/26/2025.
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 Nursing Assistant 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 for GS-3.
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.
Grade Determinations:
GS-3 Nursing Assistant: Experience and Education- None beyond basic requirements.
GS-4 Nursing Assistant: One year of experience as a Nursing Assistant or in another medical field; OR Education- 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
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
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-5 Nursing Assistant: One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level;
OR,
Education- 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 KSAs
1. 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 NAs 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.
Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinct speech and manual dexterity. Work requires physical activity including extended periods of standing, walking, and bending with occasional periods of sitting, kneeling, climbing, stooping, crouching, and balancing. Work also requires constant reaching between knee and shoulder level as well as frequent reaching below knee level. Frequent fine motor movement of fingers and wrists as well as gross motor movement of elbows and arms is also required. Incumbents in this position may be exposed to infectious/communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. Incumbents must occasionally be able to independently lift up to 50 pounds and push/pull up to 50 pounds of force with grip strength of 65 pounds. The employee is expected to use proper safe patient handling techniques to perform duties. The incumbent may be exposed to veterans who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on veteran needs. The incumbents will be assigned to specific shifts; however, schedules may include varied days, hours, weekends, overtime, holidays, and emergency call-in. Noise level is usually moderate but could at times be extreme. Work may be fast-paced when dealing with multiple priorities and/or emergency situations. The employee must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment.
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.
Benefits
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, 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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
RESUME: must be SPECIFIC AS TO DATES WORKED, please use month/day/year whenever possible; please indicate how many hours worked per week for each position. Assumptions will NOT be made in your favor if your resume is vague regarding dates and hours worked.
If your RESUME is vague as to dates, assumptions will NOT be made in your favor (ex: listing only years, 2012-2013, will give you credit for TWO DAYS worked: 12/31/12-1/1/13).
Current Federal Employees MUST provide a CURRENT SF-50. Failure to provide a CURRENT SF-50 will result in being removed from consideration. "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year time-in-grade.
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
- License
- Other (1)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
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 08/26/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12782350.
- 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.
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: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP 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 medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.