Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Nursing Assistant with the VA

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference while providing essential care to those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in East Orange, New Jersey, is currently seeking compassionate, skilled, and dedicated individuals to join our team as an Intermittent Nursing Assistant. This is more than just a job; it is a chance to participate in a mission-driven environment where patient care and respect for human dignity are the cornerstones of our practice.

About the Veterans Health Administration

The VA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans. Our mission is to honor and serve those who have sacrificed for our country. By joining our team in East Orange, you become part of a professional community dedicated to whole-health care, continuous learning, and clinical excellence. We value our staff as much as the patients we serve, offering a supportive work environment and industry-leading benefits.

Job Responsibilities

As a Nursing Assistant, you will play a critical role in the daily treatment and recovery process of our Veterans. Your duties will be diverse, challenging, and rewarding. Core responsibilities include:

Patient Care: Assisting with activities of daily living and providing direct care for complex patients.
Monitoring & Data Collection: Observing changes in patient conditions—such as behavior shifts or physical symptoms—and reporting them to the nursing team.
Technical Procedures: Performing tasks like glucose monitoring, specimen collection, and basic dressing changes.
Team Collaboration: Actively participating in patient-centered conferences and contributing to nursing care plans.
Safety Advocacy: Maintaining a secure and clean environment by reporting hazards and ensuring defective equipment is removed.

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following baseline requirements to be considered for this position:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Health Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical and commit to the influenza vaccination program.
Integrity: Successful completion of a background and security investigation.

Grade Determination Comparison

Level	Experience Requirement	Education Requirement
GS-3	6 months of general experience	1 year above high school or specialized training
GS-4	1 year of specialized experience	2 years of nursing-related college study
GS-5	1 year of equivalent experience	4-year degree (or 24 semester hours in health)

Salary & Benefits Overview

The VA offers a competitive total rewards package. The pay range for this position is $39,614 to $64,678 annually. Beyond the paycheck, your compensation includes:

Comprehensive Insurance: Access to federal health, dental, and vision plans that stay with you into retirement.
Generous Leave: Up to 50 days of combined paid time off and holidays.
Retirement Security: A robust federal pension system coupled with a 401(k)-style plan with agency matching.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume clearly reflects the duties you performed in previous roles, specifically highlighting any experience with patient care, communication, or technical procedures. Use the provided clinical resume template to ensure you meet all technical requirements for your submission.

If you have a heart for service and the clinical skills to provide high-quality care, we invite you to apply. This intermittent role in East Orange is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a premier federal healthcare facility. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to the men and women who have defended our country.

Why This Nursing Assistant (Intermittent) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country as an Intermittent Nursing Assistant with the Veterans Health Administration.

Nursing Assistant (Intermittent) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Nursing Assistant to join our team in East Orange, New Jersey. This intermittent position offers the unique opportunity to provide essential patient care, supporting the wellness, recovery, and daily living needs of our nation's Veterans under the guidance of licensed healthcare professionals.

Requirements for Nursing Assistant (Intermittent)

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Ability to complete an online onboarding process and provide valid identification.

Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant (Intermittent)

One or more years of experience in an acute care setting.
Demonstrated proficiency in technical nursing procedures including glucose monitoring, specimen collection, and tracheostomy care.
Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
Experience serving as a preceptor or mentor to new nursing staff.
Ability to react calmly and professionally to emergent patient care situations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular pay increases.
✓Generous paid time off, including up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.

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

Application Steps for Nursing Assistant (Intermittent) Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Download and complete the required clinical resume document provided by the VA.
Prepare your supporting documents, including transcripts and professional certifications.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Upload all required documentation, ensuring your clinical resume is in the designated field.
Submit your final application package before the closing date of November 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in your resume to ensure all experience, including volunteer work, is captured.
Verify your eligibility for specific grade levels (GS-3 to GS-5) based on your unique combination of education and experience.
Ensure your documentation is formatted correctly, particularly the standardized clinical resume.
Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates after the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Intermittent' status mean?

An intermittent position does not have a guaranteed work schedule. It is designed to provide flexibility for both the agency and the employee to cover shifts as needed.

Can I use foreign education to qualify?

Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcripts to receive credit.

Is a drug test required for this position?

Yes, as a testing-designated position, you will be subject to a drug screening prior to your appointment.