Launch Your Nursing Career with the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
If you are a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) invites you to join our clinical team. We are currently accepting applications for Nursing Assistants to provide high-quality, compassionate care to the brave men and women who have served in our nation's military.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant, you will act as a crucial member of the nursing team. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the full range of nursing care under the direction of an RN or LPN.
- Observing and documenting subtle changes in a patient's physical or emotional status.
- Supporting Veterans with activities of daily living and treatment plan implementation.
- Utilizing medical equipment, such as glucose monitors and suctioning tools.
- Participating in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings.
- Responding to emergent patient care situations, such as falls or respiratory distress.
Comparison of GS Grade Requirements
| Level | Experience Required | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Basic requirements met | High school or equivalent |
| GS-4 | 1 year specialized experience | 2 years post-high school education |
| GS-5 | 1 year of GS-4 equivalent experience | 4-year degree (or 24 relevant hours) |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Complete the required seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Agree to a probationary trial period.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $37,544 to $61,299 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides an exceptional benefits package, including generous paid time off (37-50 days total annually including holidays), a comprehensive federal pension, a 401(k)-style retirement savings plan, and extensive insurance options.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Ensure your resume contains specific duty descriptions, dates of employment (month/year), and average hours worked.
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Upload all relevant documents including transcripts and current/former SF-50s.
- Complete the online questionnaire and click 'Submit'.
Joining the VA team is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of serving Veterans. With excellent benefits, stable employment, and the opportunity to impact lives directly, the Nursing Assistant position at CAVHS is an incredible career move. Apply today to begin your journey.
Why This Nursing Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System as a Nursing Assistant.
Nursing Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant to join our clinical team in Little Rock, Arkansas. In this vital role, you will assist licensed nursing staff in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to Veterans across various healthcare settings. Whether supporting recovery, managing chronic health needs, or assisting with activities of daily living, your work will directly contribute to the well-being and dignity of those who have served our country. This position offers a rewarding career path with the federal government, featuring professional development, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, patient-centered environment.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must be able to undergo a background and security investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Experience with electronic health record systems and standard office software.
- Working knowledge of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) regulations and procedures.
- Familiarity with Joint Commission (JC) and CARF accreditation standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays annually.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan and 401K-style savings plan with matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a long-form resume that details your job duties, employment dates, and hours worked per week.
- Review and prepare all necessary supporting documentation, such as SF-50s, transcripts, or professional certifications.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire online.
- Upload all required documents and submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your past tasks.
- Ensure your resume shows a clear timeline with month/year start and end dates for each position.
- Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates after the application window closes.
- Have your SF-50s and other eligibility documents ready before you begin the application process to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical work schedule for this position?
Shifts generally fall between 7:30 am and 8:00 pm, with requirements for rotating weekends and holidays based on facility needs.
Can I qualify for this job with just education?
Yes, candidates may qualify through a combination of experience, relevant specialized training, or education depending on the GS grade level applied for.
Is a background check required?
Yes, this position requires a security investigation, a pre-employment physical, and a drug screen.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite clinical position at our Little Rock facilities.
Are there opportunities for growth?
Yes, this role is the perfect entry point into the federal service, with a promotion potential up to the GS-5 level.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
No, this position is open to the public, though we highly encourage veterans to apply.
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." The CAVHS, with campuses in Little Rock and North Little Rock, is a hub for high-quality, whole-health patient care. Living in Little Rock offers a vibrant lifestyle, combining the beauty of the Ozark Mountains with the rich culture and history of the capital city.