Summary

The Nursing Assistant provides clinical support for the adult and geriatric Veteran under the direction of the RN and LPN. The Nursing Assistant on the Community Living Center practices and adheres to a high level of respect and knowledge of Veteran rights to protect the vulnerable and frail Veterans. The Nursing Assistant maintains their education and knowledge of abuse - and other care practices specific to the debilitated and geriatric Veterans.

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
• English Language Proficiency
• NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3j
• Experience or Education or Training
• Six months of general experience
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA
• OR - One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation
• OR - Completion of an intensive - specialized - occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. Grade Determinations: GS-3 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignments
• Individuals assigned as GS-3 NAs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised
• GS-4 NA Experience
• 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 Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents
• Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner
• 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
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents - their families and other health professionals
• Assignment
• Individuals assigned as GS-4 NAs are considered to be at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised
• NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher graded NAs - 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/residents who are in acute - sub-acute - or chronic states of illness
• The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors - higher graded NAs or other health care professionals
• In this role - the NA functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists higher graded NAs - 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 NA in this role provides care under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors - higher graded NAs - or other health care professionals
• GS-5 NA (Full Performance Level)
• 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 KSAs
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Assignment
• This is the full performance level for NAs
• NAs 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
• NAs at this level also assume more of a peer education/mentorship role
• Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of experience working in a nursing home
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: There are no physical requirements for this occupation per OCHCO Communications email to VA Handbook 5019 - updated on 4/17/2026.

Duties

• Duties listed below are for GS-5 - developmental grades will differ in scope and oversight
• Duties include - but not limited to: Provides care that offers no evidence or concern of abuse
• Performs - and can mentor other CNAs - in activities of daily living (ADL) by helping Veterans in their physical functioning
• Demonstrates the need for minimal supervision and proficient skill in promoting independence in daily living activities
• Independently follows the Restorative Plan of Care and performs range of motion exercises - turning and positioning - ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises in the Plan of Care
• Follows the Restorative Plan of Care and performs range of motion exercises - turning and positioning - ambulation and other routine care procedures to complete all restorative exercises in the Plan of Care
• Performs - under the supervision of a Registered Nurse - and when assigned - catheter care - oral-pharyngeal suctioning and tracheostomy suctioning and tracheostomies that are noncomplicated and at least five days old
• Uses aseptic technique and changes clean dressings
• Maintains and monitors oxygen therapy as directed by the RN - assignment or written care plan
• Applies binders - splints - supportive devices - braces - and other simple devices to aid Veterans in positioning for therapy - applies hot and cold packs - prepares patients for tests - examinations - and treatments
• Collects specimens and correctly labels specimens for laboratory examinations and assures timely transportation
• Applies ointments - shampoos - and creams considered medications under the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP Policy) and mentors fellow CNAs in performing medication administration per policy
• Participates in CLC activity and actions to improve the quality of care for residents/Veterans to include fall intervention and prevention of pressure sores
• Participates in the nursing care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings - using knowledge of the Veteran/resident and reports resident/Veteran problems - helps plan individualized care and discharge planning
• Cleans and maintains equipment independently or at the direction of the RN/LPN
• Assists with admission - discharge and transfer of patients
• Orients the new resident/Veteran to the room and safety features
• Checks in and documents resident/Veteran valuables
• Provides one-to-one observation as directed for assaultive and ill residents and follows facility policy related to the one-to-one Veteran's condition/illness
• Assists with labeling - preparing for transport - laundering and distributing resident's personal clothing
• Initiates Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation - Heimlich maneuver for choking - and first aid in accordance with established Medical Center policy
• Safely and timely escorts Veterans to and from the CLC for appointments and recreational therapy
• Implements leisure and diversional activities for the Veteran and promotes meaningful use of time that enhanced independence - positive self-esteem and relaxing leisure experiences
• Maintains constant and vigilant privacy of all Veterans at all times
• Accurately documents treatments and care given to the Veteran/resident in the Veteran/resident's medical record
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Seattle - 7:30am-4:00pm - 3:30pm-12:00am - or 11:30pm-8:00am - rotating weekends off
• Tacoma - 6:00am-2:30pm - 2:00pm-10:30pm or 10:00pm-6:30am - rotating weekends off
• Compressed/Flexible: Available
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.