Embark on a Rewarding Healthcare Career: Per Diem Nursing Assistant in the Float Pool at VA Maine Healthcare System

Are you looking for a clinical role that offers exceptional flexibility, competitive pay, and the deeply rewarding opportunity to care for our nation's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Maine Healthcare System is currently hiring Nursing Assistants for its Float Pool on an intermittent, per diem basis. Located at the historic Togus facility in Augusta, Maine, this position is the perfect fit for healthcare professionals who want to make a difference while maintaining control over their personal schedules.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the responsibilities, salary structures, educational and experience requirements, and everything you need to know to submit a winning application for this coveted federal position.

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About the Agency: Serving Those Who Served

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans. Operating under the sacred promise first outlined by President Abraham Lincoln—"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan"—the VA relies on a values-based culture. This culture is defined by the Core Values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (collectively known as the "I CARE" guidelines).

At the VA Maine Healthcare System, staff members collaborate in modern, technologically advanced environments. By joining this team, you become part of an elite network of medical professionals dedicated to whole-health, patient-centered care. While this specific role is a temporary, per diem position, it provides a crucial stepping stone into the federal civil service and the wider VA system.

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Job Responsibilities: A Day in the Float Pool

As a Nursing Assistant within the Float Pool, you will enjoy a dynamic work environment. Instead of being assigned to a single ward, you will float to different units—ranging from acute care and sub-acute care to long-term community living centers and outpatient clinics—depending on where the facility needs support.

You will work under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs), performing critical clinical and supportive duties. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Direct Patient Care: Assisting Veterans with daily living activities (ADLs), including bathing, personal hygiene, feeding, and mobility.
• Clinical Diagnostics: Performing and documenting basic clinical procedures such as blood glucose monitoring, EKGs, bladder scanning, and oral suctioning.
• Vital Signs: Measuring and recording temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, height, and weight in the electronic medical record.
• Patient Safety: Functioning as a 1:1 safety monitor or video monitor for patients who are confused, physically compromised, or in a behavioral crisis.
• Emergent Interventions: Recognizing acute physical or emotional changes in patients and immediately intervening (such as initiating CPR or controlling bleeding) while summoning advanced medical help.
• Unit Support: Assisting with the admission, transfer, and discharge of patients, including room preparation and inventorying patient belongings.
• Postmortem Care: Providing respectful care for deceased patients and assisting with their transport to the morgue.

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Grade-by-Grade Qualification Overview

This vacancy is being filled at the GS-03, GS-04, or GS-05 level, depending on your individual experience and education. The full performance potential of this role is GS-05.

To help you determine which grade you qualify for, review this comparison of requirements:

General Schedule (GS) Grade	Minimum Experience Required	Educational Alternative	Core Competencies / KSAs Required
GS-03	6 months of general clinical experience showing ability to acquire NA skills.	1 year of post-high school education with related coursework, or intensive specialized training.	Entry-level; requires close supervision and basic orientation.
GS-04	1 year of clinical experience as a Nursing Assistant or related medical role.	2 years of post-high school education in nursing, health care, psychology, or related field.	Ability to contribute to care plans; monitor physical/emotional states; utilize simple diagnostic equipment.
GS-05	1 year of progressive experience equivalent to the GS-04 level.	4-year bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in healthcare-related courses.	Ability to assist in full-range care; recognize and react to emergencies; serve as a preceptor for new NAs.

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Position Requirements & Conditions of Employment

Working for the federal government comes with specific conditions of employment that all selected candidates must satisfy:

1. U.S. Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen to be appointed, although non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens apply.
2. Drug Screening: All selectees must undergo a pre-employment urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use. Refusing or failing the test will immediately disqualify you.
3. Medical Requirements: You must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program or secure an approved religious or medical exemption. Those with exemptions must wear face masks during the flu season.
4. Identification Compliance: During onboarding, you must present valid, acceptable identification documents. Note that starting May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses will not be accepted.
5. Trial Period: You will be required to successfully complete a one- to two-year trial period to evaluate your performance, conduct, and alignment with organizational goals.
6. Physical Demands: The position requires substantial physical effort. You must be physically capable of standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting patients, and executing physical interventions such as CPR.

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Salary Overview

The salary for these positions is highly competitive, ranging from $44,543 to $72,726 per year, depending on the GS grade level at which you are appointed and your corresponding step. This position is covered under a special rate table, ensuring excellent compensation for your clinical expertise. Furthermore, because this is an AFGE bargaining unit position, you will enjoy workplace representation and structured guidelines regarding your scheduling and working conditions.

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Application Tips for Success

Federal hiring is highly structured, and standard resumes often fail to capture the details federal recruiters look for. Follow these strategies to ensure your application stands out:

• Use the VA Clinical Resume Template: The VA provides a standard Clinical Resume Document (available in the resources section below). Ensure you download, fill out, and upload this document to the restricted 'Resume' field. You may upload your full, multi-page CV in the 'Other' document field without any page limitations.
• Detail Your Experience: Do not summarize your work history. Instead, explicitly state your hours worked per week, your job titles, your exact duties, and the clinical equipment you are competent in using. If you have volunteer clinical experience, include it—it receives the same qualification weight as paid work.
• Provide Current SF-50s: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) showing your grade, step, and tenure. Failing to provide this could result in your application being rated ineligible.
• Check Your Transcripts: If you are qualifying based on education, submit legible copies of your college transcripts. Foreign degrees must be accompanied by an official evaluation of equivalency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I work remote or telework in this role?

No, this is a direct, hands-on patient care position. It is not eligible for telework or remote work.

What is an 'Open Continuous Announcement'?

This job is posted under an open continuous announcement, meaning the VA collects applications over a long period (through September 30, 2026). The hiring team reviews applications at regular cut-off dates (the first being August 11, 2026, and weekly thereafter) to fill vacancies as they arise.

Is Veterans' Preference applied to this job?

Due to a critical staffing shortage for healthcare personnel, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this specific job announcement.

Will I have to travel?

Yes, you may be required to travel to other medical campuses and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) within the VA Maine Healthcare System.

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If you are a clinical professional looking to align your career with a powerful mission, the Float Pool Nursing Assistant position at the VA Maine Healthcare System is an ideal fit. Offering a competitive salary of $44,543 to $72,726 per year, a flexible per diem schedule, and the unmatched pride of caring for American heroes, this role is a gateway to a meaningful future. Be sure to gather your required documents, utilize the standard clinical resume template, and submit your application before the closing date. Your journey toward serving our nation's Veterans begins today!