Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Nursing Assistant at the West Texas VA

Are you looking to transition into a career where your daily work truly honors those who have sacrificed for our nation? The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) is currently looking for compassionate and dedicated Nursing Assistants to join our Community Living Center (CLC) in Big Spring, Texas. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide essential support to Veterans who have served our country.

About the West Texas VA Health Care System

Located in the heart of West Texas, our facility provides state-of-the-art care to a population of approximately 57,000 Veterans. Big Spring, often called the 'Crossroads of West Texas,' offers a vibrant, growing community with excellent amenities. Working at the VA means joining a team dedicated to 'Whole Health'—an approach that emphasizes treating the person, not just the symptoms.

Job Responsibilities

As a Nursing Assistant (NA), you will be a vital member of the nursing team. Your duties will be diverse and highly impactful:

Patient Care: Provide support to Veterans with physical or behavioral needs in hospital or long-term care settings.
Clinical Support: Perform procedures such as glucose monitoring, tracheostomy care, catheterization, and simple dressing changes.
Observation & Documentation: Monitor patient conditions and record changes in charts, reporting deviations to medical staff immediately.
Team Collaboration: Assist in Treatment Planning Meetings and serve as a mentor to newer nursing staff.
Safety Liaison: Maintain a clean, safe clinical environment and act as a safe patient handling liaison.

Requirements for Success

To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess strong English language proficiency. Depending on the grade level (GS-03 to GS-05), you will need one of the following:

Six months of general experience.
Relevant education above the high school level.
A combination of education and experience.

Grade Comparison Table

Grade Level	Key Requirement	Role Level
GS-03	Basic Requirements met	Entry Level
GS-04	1 Year of experience or 2 years of education	Developing
GS-05	1 Year of specialized experience or Bachelor's degree	Performance Level

Compensation and Benefits

Working for the federal government offers a secure future and a suite of benefits that few private sector employers can match:

Salary: Competitive pay ranging from $39,290 to $58,327 per year.
Time Off: Generous accrual of annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Federal pension plan and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, vision, and long-term care coverage.
Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume is clear and follows the provided templates. The VA does not make assumptions about your skills, so detail every relevant experience, including volunteer work. Always verify that your transcripts are attached if you are qualifying based on education.

If you are ready to make a positive impact on the lives of our Veterans while enjoying the benefits of a federal career, we encourage you to apply. Join the West Texas VA team in Big Spring and become part of a mission that truly matters.

Why This Nursing Assistant (Clc) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country while growing your healthcare career in the heart of West Texas.

Nursing Assistant (Clc) Job Overview

The West Texas VA Health Care System is seeking dedicated Nursing Assistants to join our Community Living Center (CLC) team in Big Spring, Texas. This role is perfect for compassionate professionals who want to provide high-quality, whole-health support to Veterans. Whether you are at the entry-level or an experienced practitioner, you will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to ensure our Veterans receive exceptional care in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Nursing Assistant (Clc)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a drug screening urinalysis prior to appointment.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must pass a background/security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Ability to complete a 1 or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant (Clc)

One year of direct experience as a nurse aide in a hospital, hospice, or skilled nursing facility.
Completion of a formal Certified Nurse Aide Program.
Active BLS certification.
Demonstrated ability to handle traumatic or difficult patient interactions with professional courtesy.
Strong oral communication, documentation, and basic computer skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓37-50 days of annual paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays).
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
✓Traditional federal pension (vesting after 5 years) and 401(k) retirement savings with 5% employer matching.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
✓Competitive salary with regular performance-based increases.

💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant (Clc) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nursing Assistant (Clc) Job

Log in or create an account on the USAJobs website.
Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare your documents.
Complete the required online questionnaire.
Download and upload the standard Clinical Resume Document as instructed.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 10, 2026.
Monitor your email for confirmation notifications and status updates.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your previous duties.
Highlight volunteer experience, as it counts toward your professional background.
Ensure your transcript is attached if your qualifications rely on education.
Double-check that your identification documents meet the current REAL ID compliance standards.
Check your application status regularly via the 'Applications' tab on your USAJobs dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical work schedule for this position?

This position requires rotating shifts, specifically 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM or 6:00 PM – 6:30 AM.

Is telework an option for this role?

No, this is an on-site clinical position that requires direct interaction with patients and is not eligible for telework.

Do I need a specific certification?

*A: While not strictly required for all grades, being a Certified Nurse Aide is a preferred qualification.*

Is there an opportunity for career advancement?

*A: Yes, this position has a full performance level of GS-05, and the VA strongly supports internal career growth and professional development.*

Nursing Assistant (Clc) Job

Veterans Health Administration