Nursing Assistant Careers at the VA: Make a Difference in Murfreesboro

Are you looking to advance your career while making a profound impact on the lives of others? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a compassionate and dedicated Nursing Assistant to join the team at the Alvin C. York Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide essential care to the men and women who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Nursing Assistant in the Community Living Center (CLC), your daily tasks will be vital to the recovery and comfort of our veterans. Responsibilities include:

Direct Patient Care: Assisting with hygiene, skin care, and dressing changes.
Monitoring & Documentation: Tracking glucose levels, intake/output, and observing subtle changes in resident behavior or physical status.
Clinical Support: Performing procedures such as catheterization, suctioning, and tracheostomy care under the guidance of licensed nursing staff.
Team Collaboration: Actively participating in treatment planning meetings and acting as a preceptor for new staff members.
Safety Liaison: Ensuring a clean, hazard-free environment and utilizing safe patient handling equipment.

Comparison: Entry-Level vs. Full-Performance Roles

Feature	GS-3 (Entry Level)	GS-5 (Full Performance)
Supervision	Closely supervised	Independent within scope
Role	Foundational training	Preceptor/Mentor capacity
Expectations	Learning basic procedures	Advanced patient interventions

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet several federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Physical Fitness: Capable of lifting 50 lbs and performing tasks involving continuous movement.
Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Compliance: Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and annual influenza vaccination.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $41,097 to $67,098 per year. Compensation is determined by experience and qualifications, with the potential for higher step-rate considerations based on specialized skills.

Benefits

The VA provides one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the country:

Leave: Generous annual, sick, and federal holiday leave accrual.
Healthcare: Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
Retirement: Dual-layered retirement benefits including a pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with agency matching.
Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidy programs.

Application Tips

Use the Right Format: Submit a long-form resume that captures all facets of your professional and volunteer experience.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience. Mention specific equipment or procedures you are proficient with.
Stay Organized: Ensure all supporting documents (transcripts, professional licenses, SF-50s) are uploaded before the cutoff date.

Serving as a Nursing Assistant at the VA in Murfreesboro is a challenging yet deeply rewarding career path. If you are a flexible, compassionate, and skilled individual, we invite you to apply and join our team in honoring America's heroes.

Why This Nursing Assistant (Community Living Center) Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career in healthcare by providing compassionate, high-quality support to those who served our nation at the Alvin C. York Veterans' Administration Medical Center.

Nursing Assistant (Community Living Center) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant to join the Community Living Center team in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This role is central to our mission, ensuring Veterans receive comprehensive, whole-health support. You will work within an integrated healthcare system to provide direct patient care, assist with treatment plans, and help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for our residents.

Requirements for Nursing Assistant (Community Living Center)

U.S. Citizenship.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and perform physical tasks like walking, standing, bending, and pushing.
Ability to complete annual influenza vaccination requirements.
Background and security investigation clearance.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant (Community Living Center)

Prior clinical experience in long-term care settings.
Demonstrated ability to perform intermediate nursing treatments.
Strong interpersonal skills for communicating with families and interdisciplinary teams.
Experience with electronic health record documentation and patient monitoring equipment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
✓Generous paid time off (up to 37-50 days of combined annual, sick, and holiday leave)
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% employer matching
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees
✓Childcare subsidies for qualifying families

💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant (Community Living Center) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nursing Assistant (Community Living Center) Job

Create or log into your account on the official federal jobs portal.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume documenting all relevant paid and volunteer experience.
Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and professional certifications.
Review your application package for accuracy and submit before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties.
Ensure your resume clearly highlights how your experience matches the required KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities).
Include volunteer work if it provided relevant clinical or caregiving experience.
Double-check your submission status in your applicant dashboard before the deadline.
Have your SF-50 forms ready if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time role involving 80 hours per pay period, with shifts including weekends and holidays based on service needs.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, this position does not offer relocation assistance or a recruitment incentive.

Can I qualify with education instead of work experience?

Yes, varying levels of education (high school plus specialized training, or college-level nursing courses) can be used to meet basic requirements depending on the grade level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed 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 part of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), the Murfreesboro facility provides comprehensive, whole-health care in a supportive and integrated environment.