Empowering Veteran Wellness: Careers in Rehabilitation Nursing
Are you looking to transition your healthcare career into an environment that truly makes a difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Healthcare System is currently recruiting a dedicated Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation) to support the health and recovery of our nation's Veterans. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing the high-quality, whole-health care that those who served our country deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant in the Rehabilitation unit, your daily tasks are vital to the patient recovery process. You will work closely with licensed nursing staff to provide preventive, acute, and chronic care. Responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Assisting with activities of daily living, including grooming, bathing, and dressing.
- Mobility Support: Performing transfers, positioning, and range of motion exercises using safe body mechanics.
- Monitoring: Observing patient behaviors and physical status, reporting any deviations to the Registered Nurse.
- Nutrition: Supporting fluid and nutritional intake in accordance with dietary guidelines.
- Clinical Support: Utilizing medical equipment like blood glucose monitors and bladder scanners to assist in diagnostics.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Feature | GS-3 (Entry) | GS-4 (Mid) | GS-5 (Performance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Basic experience/Training | 1 yr exp or 2 yrs college | 1 yr specialized experience |
| Role | Foundational | Technical/Intermediate | Full performance/Mentor |
| Focus | Skill acquisition | Patient/Resident care | Complex care & Mentorship |
Requirements
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess proficiency in both written and spoken English. You will be subject to a pre-employment physical and background check. Additionally, as a healthcare employee, participation in the annual influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $48,489 to $79,168 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA offers an exceptional benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and generous leave accrual policies that reward federal service tenure.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official USAJOBS portal. Ensure you have your long-form resume, transcripts, and any professional certifications ready to upload. The deadline for this opportunity is November 9, 2026.
If you are a passionate professional looking to serve those who served us, the Nursing Assistant role at VA Palo Alto is an excellent step forward. Join a team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and compassion.
Why This Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation) Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career supporting those who served our nation by joining the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System as a Nursing Assistant in our dedicated Rehabilitation unit.
Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a compassionate and skilled Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation) to join our team in Palo Alto, California. In this role, you will provide critical support to our Veterans, assisting licensed medical professionals in delivering high-quality care across acute, sub-acute, and long-term settings. You will be an integral part of a healthcare team dedicated to improving the wellness, mobility, and recovery of our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- English language proficiency (spoken and written).
- Completion of background and security investigation.
- Successful passing of a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Completion of a 2-year trial period.
- Possession of a REAL ID compliant form of identification.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation)
- Experience performing technical nursing skills such as blood glucose monitoring and specimen collection.
- Proven ability to act as a preceptor or mentor to new nursing staff.
- Demonstrated expertise in mobility assistance, including transfers and range of motion exercises.
- Strong communication skills for patient advocacy and interdisciplinary team coordination.
- Background in long-term, acute, or psychiatric care settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for federal retirement benefits.
- ✓Stable career path in a prestigious research and teaching hospital environment.
- ✓Credit toward annual leave accrual for qualified prior service.
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documentation (transcripts, licenses, or SF-50 if applicable).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on November 9, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your duties.
- Clearly highlight your experience with direct patient care and technical medical skills.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure your DD214 is included to claim preference.
- Double-check your application for omissions before clicking submit.
- Review your responses to the questionnaire thoroughly; they are used to verify your qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical shift schedule for this position?
This role involves 12-hour shifts from 7:30 PM to 8:00 AM, requiring a commitment to rotating weekends and holidays.
Can I use foreign education to meet the requirements?
Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcript to receive credit.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, the position is subject to a background and security investigation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) is a world-renowned leader in patient care, research, and education. As part of the VA Sierra Pacific Network, our facility offers a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services. We take pride in our innovative research programs and our commitment to serving Veterans across California, Nevada, and Hawaii.