Become a Nursing Assistant at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career that honors those who served our country? The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is actively seeking dedicated Nursing Assistants to join our clinical team. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide high-quality, compassionate care in a supportive, whole-health environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant, you will act as a critical member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Direct Patient Care: Assisting residents with bathing, grooming, feeding, and mobility.
- Clinical Support: Measuring and charting vital signs, height, and weight.
- Complex Procedures: Assisting with catheterization, oral suctioning, and supplemental oxygen therapy.
- Patient Advocacy: Reporting behavioral changes and physical deviations to the Registered Nurse.
- Environment Safety: Identifying and reporting hazards to ensure a secure space for residents.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Language | Proficient in written/spoken English |
| Physical | Must pass pre-employment physical exam |
| Testing | Drug screening and background check required |
| Education | High school diploma or specialized training |
Salary and Benefits
The VA offers a highly competitive compensation package. The annual salary range for these positions is $39,858 to $65,076. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed for long-term security.
Core Benefits
- Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of combined leave and holidays per year.
- Retirement: Traditional pension plan and a 401K-style plan with a 5% agency match.
- Insurance: Access to comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Work-Life Support: Paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, follow these steps:
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly document your specialized experience in medical settings, including volunteer work.
- Documentation: Double-check that you have uploaded all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if you are a current federal employee.
- Stay Responsive: Keep an eye on your email for status updates and interview requests following the closing date of November 9, 2026.
Working at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in healthcare. If you have the drive and the compassion to help our Veterans lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Nursing Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation—start your career as a Nursing Assistant at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.
Nursing Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking compassionate Nursing Assistants to join the Extended Care Service team at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center in Michigan. This role is vital to our mission of providing whole-health, patient-centered care. You will work within diverse units including palliative care, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and long-term dementia care, ensuring our Veterans receive the dignity and professional support they deserve.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Must undergo a mandatory drug screening prior to appointment.
- Must complete a 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant
- One year of specialized nursing assistant experience.
- Prior experience in licensed practical nursing, hospital corpsman roles, or health technician fields.
- Completion of a two-year degree program in a health-related field.
- Demonstrated ability to perform intermediate medical treatments such as bladder scans and blood glucose monitoring.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave per year
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401k with 5% matching
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service
- ✓Child care subsidy for qualifying families
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed long-form resume or CV.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire linked in the job posting.
- Upload all required supporting documents including transcripts and SF-50 forms.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and clear in your resume; avoid leaving room for assumptions about your experience.
- Include volunteer work and military service as these count toward experience requirements.
- Ensure your transcript is attached if your qualifications rely on education.
- Verify your eligibility documents (like the SF-50) are current.
- Track your application status through your online dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of shifts should I expect?
Shifts generally run 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM or 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM, though schedules may be rotated based on medical center needs.
Can I qualify with only education?
Yes, applicants may qualify through a combination of education above high school or specialized training programs as outlined in the grade determination criteria.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all selected applicants are subject to a background and security investigation, as well as a pre-employment physical and drug test.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Battle Creek VAMC stands as a cornerstone of mental health and long-term care in Michigan, featuring 276 operating beds and serving over 42,000 Veterans across 22 counties.