Launch Your Career as a Nursing Assistant with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate Nursing Assistants to join the inpatient acute care units at the Puget Sound VA Health Care System. This is a vital role designed to provide high-quality, whole-health care to those who have selflessly served our country. If you are ready to build a career in a supportive, mission-driven environment, this may be the opportunity for you.

Job Responsibilities

As a Nursing Assistant (NA) in an acute care setting, your primary goal is to support the medical team and help Veterans navigate their recovery process. Key responsibilities include:

• Direct Patient Care: Assisting with activities of daily living, including feeding, bathing, and mobility.
• Clinical Support: Measuring vital signs, performing EKGs, collecting specimens, and assisting with wound care.
• Monitoring: Observing changes in physical or mental status and reporting them immediately to the Registered Nurse.
• Environment Maintenance: Ensuring a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for patients and their families.
• Mentorship: Providing guidance and orientation to new NAs within the clinical setting.

Complexity of Roles

Level	Experience/Focus
GS-3	Entry-level; focused on foundational care tasks.
GS-4	Intermediate; requires technical skills and patient care knowledge.
GS-5	Full performance; involves advanced monitoring and team leadership.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must demonstrate proficiency in English.
• You must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
• You must be able to complete all mandatory VA training, including HIPAA and Privacy standards.
• You must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $42,127 to $68,781 per year, depending on the GS grade level and individual experience. The VA is committed to fair compensation and offers regular salary increases. Furthermore, when determining your starting step, the agency considers unique qualifications and specific skill sets that add value to the organization.

Benefits

The VA provides a comprehensive "Total Rewards" package designed to support the well-being of its staff. Highlights include:

• Paid Time Off: Generous leave accrual plus 11 Federal holidays.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
• Childcare: Subsidy programs available for eligible employees.
• Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care options that can be maintained into retirement.
• Retirement: Excellent federal pension and 401(k)-style investment options with employer matching.

Application Tips

To stand out, your resume should be as detailed as possible. Don't simply list your titles; list your accomplishments. For every role, include the start and end dates (month/year) and the hours worked per week. If you have volunteer experience in healthcare, include it! It demonstrates a genuine commitment to the field and counts toward your qualifying experience. Always proofread your application to ensure all required documents, such as transcripts, are attached correctly.

Serving as a Nursing Assistant at the Puget Sound VA Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and a way to honor our Veterans. With a robust benefits package, a collaborative team, and clear paths for professional advancement, this role is a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about healthcare. Apply today and start your journey with the VA.