Nursing Assistant - Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Job in San Diego, CA

Vacancy No. CBSX-12749892-25-RCa Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $45,523.00 to $69,418.00 Grade 3 to 5
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/11/2025 Close Date 7/1/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
San Diego, CA


Summary

The incumbent serves as Nursing Assistant (NA) assigned to Nursing Service at the San Diego VA Healthcare System. The San Diego VA Healthcare System is designated as a Level 1A facility, one of the most complex facilities in the nation, with numerous outpatient clinics dispersed over a large geographic region and affiliations with several colleges and universities.

Duties

The responsibility of the NA is for personal patient care including transporting, bathing, dressing, feeding, turning, toileting, collection of various samples including sputum and urine, entering specific information into the patient's medical record, vital signs, maintaining and stocking medical supplies, serving as a basic contact for patients and families. The NA will support diagnostic procedures, nursing treatments, patient charting and reinforcement of patient teaching. The performance of these tasks involve direct working relationships with patients and participation as a member of the treatment or nursing care team in direct service to patients.

The following are assigned duties, but not limited to, the list below with documented competency:
- Safely and effectively uses patient care equipment.
- Identifies potential and actual emergencies and takes appropriate actions.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
- Sets-up, uses, reprocesses, and maintains all unit/department-specific equipment that is designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients.
- Obtains and records vital signs, pulse, temperature, respirations, blood pressure, and pain level.
- Measures and records height and weight of patients.
- Assists patients with activities of daily living (e.g., hygiene, eating, dressing and ambulation) including oral/denture care, bed baths/shower, indwelling catheter care, perineal care, foot care, and changing bed linens.
- Positions, sets-up, and assists patients with meals; ensures meal trays are removed.
- Assists with patient transfers in and out of bed.
- Assists patients to and from toilet; assists patients with any toileting needs; and keeps incontinent patients clean.
- Assists with patient admissions ensuring personal belongings are inventoried and documented.
- Assists with patient discharges or transfers including stripping beds, ensuring patients have their belongings; and sweeps medication cabinets in patient rooms.
- Answers call lights and unit phones as needed.
- Performs glucose checks on patients as ordered.
- Turns and repositions patients at risk for skin breakdown.
- Performs range of motion exercises for patients.
- Reinforces non-sterile dressings.
- Applies anti-embolic hose/equipment (i.e., Ted hose, sequential compression devices).
- Applies adaptive devices and non-behavioral restraints as ordered.
- Functions as Continuous Observation Attendant (COA) within an arm's length of the patient.
- Relieves COAs as needed for breaks and meals.
- Wipes down all patients' bedside tables and side rails once a shift.
- Ensures patients' bedside areas are neat and tidy.
- Ensures patients have an adequate supply of water, cups, and straws at their bedside.
- Assists in recording and charting patient input and output (l&O).
- Conducts hourly rounds on patients to ensure their needs are being met.
Ensures safety precautions are in place.
- Empties indwelling catheter bags, urinals, surgical drains, and records output amounts.
- Assists with post-mortem care. Transports deceased bodies to morgue.
- Stocks supplies in patient care areas to ensure there are adequate supplies and equipment to meet patient care needs.
- Cleans reusable medical equipment (RME) on unit as needed.
- Documents vital signs in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Documents on the restraint and seclusion flow sheet as needed.
- Documents in nursing progress note care provided.
- Identifies potential and actual emergencies and takes appropriate actions.
- Implements hospital safety guidelines and maintains a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Reports all accidents to supervisor and notifies supervisor promptly of unsafe or unhealthy environmental situations/conditions.
- Initiates CPR as appropriate.
- Performs bladder scan and reports findings to RN.
- Places patients on cardiac monitors as needed.
- Applies ice packs with RN delegation as needed.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
- Performs 12-lead EKGs.
- Selects and applies condom catheters as needed.
- Transports patients from one unit/area to another or to clinic appointments.
- Transports specimens to lab.
- Feeds patients on Aspiration Precautions.
Performs digital stimulation and manual removal for bowel care.
- Provides quad/assisted cough.
- Provides nail clipping on hands and feet for non-diabetic patients.
- And other duties as assigned.
.
Preferred Experience: CNA; 3-5 years current experience in med/surg; Specialty clinical experience in medical management of patients undergoing chemotherapy procedures; Ability to document using EMR and electronic inventory management supply system; and Ability to care for 9-13 patients under the supervision of RN and LVN.

Work Schedule: Days - To Be Determined. Hours - 0700-1930 or 1900-0730
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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).
  • 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

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:
  • Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
  • Education or Training. The candidate must have 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 appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
Grandfathering Provisions. All Nursing Assistants employed in VHA as of March 12, 2015 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
  1. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  2. If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

Grade Determinations:
  • GS-3 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements above.
  • GS-4 Experience/Education: In this role, the Nursing Assistant functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded Nursing Assistants, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care, or other patients who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The Nursing Assistant in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded Nursing Assistants, or other healthcare professionals.
    • Experience: One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant 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 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 Experience: This is the full performance level for Nursing Assistants. Nursing Assistants at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients/residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. Nursing Assistants at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role.
    • Experience: 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 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.
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.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard

Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others; be able to navigate the facility, write and use a key board and telephone. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Employee will be required to assist with transferring/lifting/moving patients, pushing/pulling wheelchairs, gurneys/beds or equipment which may require, stooping, bending, kneeling, twisting, sitting lifting or carrying live weight up to 35 lbs. and walking without restrictions. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients 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 patient needs. The incumbent must be able to navigate all areas of the facility, use a keyboard, perform CPR (Bart trained) when necessary, and perform other activities of the position without any restrictions. Reasonable accommodations may be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of the position. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

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.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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


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)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • 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 07/01/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12749892.

  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.

Agency contact information

Ruben Cabral
Address
San Diego VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161
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: 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.


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


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