Launch Your Healthcare Career: Become a Nursing Assistant with the VA
Are you looking for a career that offers both professional growth and the chance to make a tangible difference? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is currently looking for a compassionate and driven Nursing Assistant (NA) to join our team.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant, your days will be spent working closely with Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure the comfort and health of our Veterans. Key duties include:
- Resident-Centered Care: Assisting with personal hygiene, nutrition, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Clinical Support: Performing treatments such as skin care, glucose monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Patient Safety: Utilizing safe patient handling equipment and following strict environmental safety standards.
- Team Collaboration: Communicating effectively with families, interdisciplinary team members, and other departments to ensure consistent care.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to excellence and meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Background | Must pass security and suitability investigations |
| Health | Mandatory physical exam and TB screening |
| Vaccination | Annual flu vaccination is a condition of employment |
| Language | Proficient in written and spoken English |
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $36,824 to $55,341 per year, commensurate with your experience and educational background, within the GS-3 to GS-5 pay scale.
Benefits
Joining the VA means joining a system that values its employees. You will have access to professional development, stable federal employment, and a supportive team environment. Additionally, federal employees enjoy structured leave accrual programs that reward your years of service.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Do not leave gaps in your work history. Quantify your experience with specific examples of patient care.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts or certifications ready to upload if you are qualifying based on education.
- Follow Deadlines: The application portal closes on September 10, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your package.
If you have a heart for service and the clinical skills to provide excellent nursing assistance, we encourage you to apply. Join the Wilkes-Barre VAMC team and help us support our Veterans with the honor they have earned.
Why This Nursing Assistant- Long Term Care Job Matters
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Nursing Assistant.
Nursing Assistant- Long Term Care Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant to join our Long Term Care team in Wilkes-Barre, PA. In this role, you will provide essential, compassionate care to Veterans, supporting their physical and emotional well-being under the supervision of Registered Nurses. Whether you are starting your healthcare journey or are an experienced professional, this position offers a vital role in our patient-centered care mission.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant- Long Term Care
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
- Must undergo urinalysis for drug screening prior to appointment.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant- Long Term Care
- Previous experience working in a Long Term Care environment.
- Demonstrated ability to perform patient care tasks including hygiene, nutrition assistance, and restorative care.
- Proven competency in utilizing clinical equipment like glucose monitors and mobility aids.
- Strong communication skills and experience acting as a patient advocate.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee annual leave accrual (based on service time).
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and clinical mentorship.
- ✓Exposure to advanced healthcare practices in a VA clinical setting.
- ✓Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
- ✓Participation in federal retirement and insurance programs.
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant- Long Term Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant- Long Term Care Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement details and qualification standards.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and any required eligibility documents (e.g., DD-214, licenses).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 10, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up communications from HR.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to highlight your direct experience with patient care and long-term support.
- Ensure your documentation is clear; the agency cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Verify your eligibility for Veterans' Preference and include the necessary proof (DD-214/SF-15).
- Check your USAJOBS dashboard regularly to verify that your documents have been uploaded correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Nursing Assistant at the VA?
NAs deliver age-specific care to adult Veterans under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, assisting with hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and clinical treatments.
Can I qualify with education instead of experience?
Yes, depending on the grade level, candidates may qualify through specific combinations of relevant education beyond high school or specialized training programs.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all applicants must undergo a background and suitability/fitness investigation as a condition of federal employment.
Does this position require specialized experience?
*A: The entry-level (GS-3) requires six months of general experience or relevant education. Higher grades require progressively responsible experience in medical or nursing fields.*
Will I need to work weekends?
*A: Yes, the schedule involves rotating weekends and holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage for our Veterans.*
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." As a Nursing Assistant with the VHA, you are an essential part of the medical team, providing the high-quality, whole-health care our Veterans deserve.