Serving Those Who Served: Nursing Assistant Opportunities in Omaha
The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System is currently seeking compassionate, skilled Nursing Assistants to join our acute inpatient psychiatric unit in Omaha. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute directly to the recovery and well-being of the men and women who have defended our nation. We are looking for individuals who bring technical expertise, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to the VA’s mission.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant in our secure, inpatient psychiatric unit, your role is pivotal. You will work under the direction of Registered Nurses and Medical Providers to:
- Perform continuous rounding to ensure patient safety.
- Assist with activities of daily living (ADL) and patient ambulation.
- Monitor and document vital signs in the electronic record.
- Recognize and respond to emergency situations, such as behavioral crises or respiratory distress.
- Facilitate communication between the Veteran, their family, and the clinical team.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Ability to meet specific physical demands, including lifting and standing for long periods.
- Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position is part of the GS pay scale, ranging from GS-3 to GS-5. Please review the table below for compensation expectations:
| Grade Level | Starting Range | Potential Ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 to GS-5 | $38,442 | $62,765 |
Benefits
Working for the VA provides access to federal benefits, including competitive health insurance, generous annual leave accrual, and the ability to grow your career within a national network of healthcare facilities. Service credit may also be applied toward leave accrual based on prior federal or military experience.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Use your resume to clearly explain how your experience relates to nursing tasks, psychiatric support, and patient communication.
- Upload Required Documents: Ensure all transcripts and certification documents are uploaded in the correct format.
- Use the Provided Template: The VA provides a specific clinical resume document—ensure you utilize this for your primary upload.
If you are a Nursing Assistant who thrives in a team-based, high-stakes environment and possesses a passion for Veteran care, we encourage you to apply. Join us in Omaha and help us provide the exceptional care our Veterans have earned.
Why This Nursing Assistant- Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran mental health in the heart of Omaha while growing your clinical career with the VA.
Nursing Assistant- Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Job Overview
The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant to support our acute inpatient psychiatric unit. This intermittent position offers a unique opportunity to provide compassionate, whole-person care to Veterans managing complex psychiatric and medical conditions. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure our Veterans receive the high-quality, patient-centered support they deserve in a secure, supportive environment.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant- Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Minimum of 6 months general experience, or 1 year of relevant education beyond high school, or specialized training
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Background and security investigation clearance
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant- Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent in a clinical psychiatric or medical setting
- Demonstrated ability to perform intermediate treatments and diagnostic procedures
- Proven capability to assist with behavior crisis intervention and emergent patient situations
- Experience serving as a preceptor or mentor for new staff
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with growth potential
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual
- ✓Access to a supportive, professional healthcare environment
- ✓Training and clinical development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant- Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant- Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job questionnaire to ensure you meet all requirements.
- Prepare your resume, including the standard clinical resume document provided by the VA.
- Gather supporting documentation, such as transcripts, DD-214, or certifications.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to demonstrate how your experience maps to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; detail every relevant task performed in your past roles.
- Submit the supplemental KSA document even though it is optional to ensure your qualifications are fully highlighted.
- Ensure all transcripts are legible and clearly show the school name and coursework relevant to the Nursing Assistant role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an intermittent position?
Intermittent employment is non-fulltime work with no regularly scheduled tour of duty. It is ideal for those who need a flexible, though potentially unpredictable, work schedule.
Can I qualify with volunteer experience?
Yes, qualifying experience includes paid and unpaid work, including volunteer efforts through organizations like the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.
What happens if I don't meet the education requirement yet?
If you are currently enrolled in a program related to the Nursing Assistant occupation, you may provide proof of enrollment to be considered.
How often will I work?
*A: As an intermittent employee, your schedule will be sporadic based on the needs of the unit, usually consisting of 8-hour or 12-hour shifts.*
Can I apply without a degree?
*A: Yes, relevant experience or specialized training can fulfill the basic requirements for the GS-3 grade level.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Our Omaha facility is a vital part of the VISN 23 network, providing holistic care to over 148,000 Veterans. Omaha offers a high quality of life, a lower cost of living than the national average, and a robust economic environment.