Launch Your Healthcare Career: Nursing Assistant Roles at the Richmond VA
Are you looking to turn your passion for caregiving into a stable, rewarding federal career? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Richmond VA Medical Center is currently seeking compassionate individuals to join our team as a Nursing Assistant on our specialized Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) unit. This is an exceptional opportunity to support the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant on Unit 1U2, you will be the backbone of daily patient operations. Your responsibilities include:
- Direct Patient Care: Assisting with turning, feeding, bathing, and transferring patients to power chairs.
- Clinical Support: Performing wound care, catheter care, and specimen collection under the guidance of licensed nursing staff.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Observing changes in patient physical or emotional status and documenting them in the computerized medical records.
- Emergency Response: Recognizing and intervening during medical emergencies, such as respiratory or cardiac distress.
- Environmental Safety: Ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients and their families.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Proficiency | Strong written and spoken English skills |
| Health/Safety | Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening |
| Compliance | Must adhere to mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination programs |
| Background | Successful completion of a background investigation |
Salary and Benefits
The Richmond VA offers a comprehensive compensation package that goes beyond a standard paycheck.
- Salary: Positions are available at the GS-3 to GS-5 levels, with a competitive annual salary range of $40,359 to $65,895.
- Leave: Earn 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Future Planning: Benefit from a federal pension and 401K-style plan with up to 5% matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:
- Use the Template: The VA provides a specific Clinical Resume template. Download and use this, as it ensures your information is formatted for the federal HR review process.
- Be Specific: When describing your duties, don't just list titles. Describe the tasks you performed, the equipment you used, and how you contributed to patient recovery.
- Check Statuses: Use your USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your application's progress.
Working for the Richmond VA Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to service. If you are a dedicated nursing professional ready to provide high-quality care to our nation's heroes, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Nursing Assistant - Sci/D (Unit 1u2) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders unit at the Richmond VA Medical Center.
Nursing Assistant - Sci/D (Unit 1u2) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant to join the SCI/D Unit 1U2 in Richmond, Virginia. This role is essential to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and life-improving care to Veterans facing complex physical challenges. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to ensure our Veterans receive the dignity and high-quality support they deserve through restorative care, mobility assistance, and daily living support.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant - Sci/D (Unit 1u2)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
- Must undergo urinalysis screening for illegal drugs prior to appointment.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Ability to complete a 1 to 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant - Sci/D (Unit 1u2)
- At least one year of professional experience as a Nursing Assistant.
- Demonstrated ability to use specialized medical equipment like bladder scanners or continuous passive motion devices.
- Proven experience in patient charting and electronic medical records.
- Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases.
- ✓Generous leave package: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Child care subsidy for qualifying families.
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant - Sci/D (Unit 1u2) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant - Sci/D (Unit 1u2) Job
- Review the full position announcement and prepare your documentation.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA website.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS profile.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, required certifications, and any applicable eligibility documents (e.g., SF-50s, DD-214, transcripts).
- Submit your application package before the July 23, 2026 deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume highlights specific, relevant nursing assistant experience.
- Be detailed; the review team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Upload the specific VA Clinical Resume template as requested to avoid processing errors.
- Double-check your application for missing documents before the final submission.
- Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates after you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Nursing Assistant in the SCI/D unit?
You will provide total patient care, including turning, feeding, bathing, and transferring patients, as well as assisting with specialized tasks like wound care and catheter maintenance.
Is a specific certification required for this position?
Basic Life Support (BLS) is required for all staff in direct patient care positions.
Can I qualify if I don't have a degree?
Yes. Qualification can be met through a combination of general experience, specialized training, or education. Please review the specific grade determination requirements for GS-3, GS-4, and GS-5.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
*A: No, the position is open to the public; however, veterans often receive preference in federal hiring.
Is there promotion potential?
*A: Yes, this position has a full performance level of GS-5.
How do I handle foreign education?
*A: If your education is from an international institution, you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency to receive credit.
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." By working at the Richmond VA Medical Center, you become a vital part of a health system that prioritizes whole-health care, innovation, and clinical excellence.