Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Nursing Assistant with the VA
If you are a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a unique and fulfilling environment. The VA Boston Healthcare System is currently seeking a motivated Nursing Assistant for the Acute Care Service at our West Roxbury, MA campus. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about providing compassionate, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant, you will work under the direction of Registered Nurses to provide essential care to Veterans. Key duties include:
- Monitoring and recording vital signs.
- Assisting with daily living activities (ADLs), including feeding, repositioning, and hygiene.
- Utilizing medical equipment such as EKG machines and glucose monitors.
- Initiating emergency procedures during medical crises.
- Maintaining safe, clean patient environments.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Commitment to the influenza vaccination program.
Grade Qualification Table
| Grade | Experience/Education Required |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Basic requirements met (6 months experience or equivalent) |
| GS-4 | 1 year specialized experience or 2 years post-high school education |
| GS-5 | 1 year progressively responsible experience or a Bachelor's degree |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is competitive, ranging from $41,052 to $67,026 per year, commensurate with your grade level and experience.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package:
- Extensive Paid Time Off: 13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave.
- Retirement: Federal pension plan and a 401(k) with agency matching.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care options.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Application Tips
- Use the standardized clinical resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
- Be extremely descriptive when outlining your past duties.
- If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 is attached to claim your preference.
Serving the brave men and women who served our country is more than just a job; it is a calling. Apply today to bring your talents to the VA Boston Healthcare System and enjoy a career defined by service, growth, and security.
Why This Nursing Assistant-Nursing Acute Care A1 Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA Boston Healthcare System as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant.
Nursing Assistant-Nursing Acute Care A1 Job Overview
The VA Boston Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant for the Acute Care Service at the West Roxbury campus. This full-time, night-shift position plays a critical role in supporting our Veterans, assisting clinical teams with direct patient care, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a safe, compassionate environment for our patients during their recovery process.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant-Nursing Acute Care A1
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
- Completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program.
- Minimum six months of general experience or relevant education/training.
- Ability to work night shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant-Nursing Acute Care A1
- Experience in acute medical settings or hospital environments.
- Proficiency in patient care technologies such as blood glucose monitoring and EKG equipment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, families, and staff.
- Ability to stay calm and perform effectively during emergent patient situations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401k savings plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees.
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant-Nursing Acute Care A1 Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant-Nursing Acute Care A1 Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed resume including hours worked per week and specific dates for all positions held.
- Download the required clinical resume document from the agency link provided.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the online application portal.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including SF-50s for current federal employees and transcripts if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is highly detailed regarding your experience, as the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
- Double-check that your SF-50 clearly identifies your series, grade, and step if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Clearly highlight your experience with patient care and emergency response in your resume.
- Use the provided standard Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a full-time, night-shift role that includes rotation for weekends and holidays.
Can I qualify for this job with only high school education?
Yes, provided you have at least six months of general experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of a Nursing Assistant.
What is the promotion potential for this role?
The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-05. You may be selected at a lower grade (GS-3 or GS-4) and have the potential to reach the full performance level without further competition, provided requirements are met.
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?
*A: Yes, this position is open to the public.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation. Our mission is to fulfill the promise of caring for those who have served our country. We operate under the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Working at the VA provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, mission-driven community.