Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistant

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Montgomery, Alabama

Salary Range: $36213 - $54863 Per Year

Job Summary: This Nursing Assistant position is located in the Nursing Service (Patient Care) at the Central Alabama VA Medical Center in Montgomery, Alabama. This is a full time position with flexible 12 hour shifts and hours variable workdays.

Major Duties:

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Provides direct care for complex patients. a)Personal Hygiene (bathing, oral care, hair/nail care, etc b)Physical Comfort c)Activity, Exercise, Rest d)Nutrition (feedings) e)Elimination (including foley care) f)Prevention of Skin Breakdown g)Rehabilitative Aspects of Care -Obtains vital signs, including orthostatic vital signs -Performs Snellen acuity eye exam -Utilizes point-of-care glucometer machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned patient -Labels specimens for the laboratory -Assists the Provider or Nurse with wound dressings (applying and removing bandages) -Transports/escorts patients to various areas of the facility (i.e., Radiology Department, Emergency Department, Medical Surgical Unit, Intensive Care Unit, etc.) via wheelchair or stretcher -Cares for patients who require an increased level of patient observation (i.e., one-to-one, direct line of sight, etc.) -Encourages patients to maintain self-care -Performs a variety of supporting diagnostic duties which include taking, recording ,and reporting to Registered Nurse (RN) pertinent observations -Performs a range of treatment duties that may include applying hot and cold packs -Monitors and documents patient intake and output; reports deviations timely and accurately -Performs nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard operating procedures to care for the patient for such procedures, but not limited to enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressings, and application of braces and prosthetic devices -Assists the Provider or Nurse in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures(i.e., setting up trays or instruments to be used in examinations) -Utilizes techniques in observing and reporting subtle changes in the patient's condition (i.e., slight change in color, pulse, respiration, temperature or behavior requiring prompt intervention) -Recognizes and initiates resuscitative measures in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest, respiratory arrest, or choking -Efficiently records patient's information and condition in the computerized patient record system (CPRS), using established format -Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patients, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills Utilizes principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients, and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury to self or others in all settings (i.e., utilization of patient lift and transfer equipment) -Sets up patient care related equipment and supplies, and uses appropriately (i.e., oxygen delivery systems, portable and wall suction, continuous cardiac/blood pressure/pulse oximetry monitoring, etc.) -Performs 12-lead electrocardiograms with proper lead placement -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 -Provides and maintains an environment that is clean, safe, and free of unnecessary clutter and noise -Communicates effectively and is open, honest, and transparent -Removes defective equipment, reports hazard, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties Work Schedule: Monday-Sunday flexible, 12 hour Days, Evenings or Nights, 80 hours per pay period. Flexible Schedule: Available 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. Functional Statement #: 0000

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. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Experience, Education or Training. You must meet one of the following to meet the basic requirements for a Nursing Assistant (NA): Six (6) 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. 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: : In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-03 - None beyond the basic requirements. NAs at this grade NAs are considered entry-level and are closely supervised. GS-04 - To qualify at the GS-4 level you must meet the following: EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience as a Nursing Assistant or 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 two (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, in addition you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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 residents' 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. GS-05 - To qualify at the GS-5 level you must meet the following: EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are directly related to the specific assignment. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting licensed nursing staff and other members of the care team in the full range of nursing care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home, or community living care or other patients/residents who are receiving preventative, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. OR, EDUCATION: Successful completion of 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, in addition you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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. Preferred Experience: One year of in-hospital experience with adult patients. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements

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 11/24/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12831912. 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.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-24