Nursing Assistant Career Opportunity: Serve Those Who Served
Are you a compassionate healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The VA Puget Sound Health Administration is currently accepting applications for a Nursing Assistant at their Community Living Center in Tacoma, Washington. This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the most complex and highly-regarded VA healthcare systems in the nation, providing vital care to Veterans.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Level | Experience/Education | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Entry Level | Basic patient care and support |
| GS-4 | 1 Year Specialized or 2 years college | Technical nursing skills and observation |
| GS-5 | 1 Year of GS-4 equivalent or Bachelor's | Full performance, preceptor duties, intervention |
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant, your daily duties are centered on the comfort and health of geriatric Veterans. Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring vital signs and glucose levels.
- Assisting with complex nursing procedures such as tracheostomy care.
- Documenting patient status changes and reporting them to nursing staff.
- Acting as a preceptor for new employees.
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a salary range of $42,127 to $68,781 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package including a robust federal pension, 5% retirement matching, comprehensive health insurance that carries into retirement, and up to 50 days of paid time off.
If you are ready to elevate your career and honor our Veterans with your professional skills, we encourage you to apply to the VA Puget Sound team today. The application window closes on August 24, 2026.
Why This Nursing Assistant-Community Living Center Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on those who served—join the VA Puget Sound team as a Nursing Assistant and provide compassionate care in a dynamic, world-class healthcare environment.
Nursing Assistant-Community Living Center Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant to support our Community Living Center in Tacoma, Washington. This role is integral to our nursing care team, focused on supporting geriatric Veterans with a range of acute and chronic health needs. You will perform vital clinical tasks and activities of daily living, contributing to the recovery, comfort, and independence of our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant-Community Living Center
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must be proficient in both spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background security investigation.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must complete a 1 to 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant-Community Living Center
- Direct experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility or Long-Term Care setting.
- Previous professional experience in Dementia Memory Care units.
- Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively in emergent patient care situations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with regular increases
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off (up to 50 days annually including holidays, sick leave, and vacation)
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Pension Plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant-Community Living Center Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant-Community Living Center Job
- Create or update your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Download and utilize the standard VA clinical resume template.
- Prepare your comprehensive resume, ensuring it details job titles, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as transcripts or certifications.
- Submit your application package before the August 24, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month and year) and total hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Be detailed regarding your clinical duties; the agency cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Double-check that you have uploaded both the required standard template and your full, unrestricted CV.
- Check your USAJOBS account status regularly after submission for notifications regarding your referral status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical work schedule for this position?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, with requirements for rotating weekends and holidays.
Does this position offer telework?
No, this is a hands-on clinical position at a facility, so telework is not available.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Per updated internal policy, there are no specific physical requirements for this occupation, though you must be able to perform standard nursing assistant duties.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is a Level 1a interdisciplinary teaching facility. With a mission rooted in President Lincoln's promise to care for those who served, the facility offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including rehabilitation, psychiatric care, and spinal cord injury treatment. Employees here operate under the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.