Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Nursing Assistant at the VA

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee, is actively recruiting for Nursing Assistants to join our Medical, Surgical, and Telemetry teams.

Job Responsibilities

As a Nursing Assistant, you will act as a foundational member of the patient care team. Your responsibilities include:

Patient Care: Assisting with daily living activities, including grooming, hygiene, and mobility.
Clinical Support: Assisting with diagnostic procedures, such as blood glucose monitoring and bladder scans.
Team Coordination: Working under the direction of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses to execute care plans.
Emergency Response: Recognizing and reacting to emergent care situations, including patient falls or behavioral crises.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Completion of at least one year of post-high school education in a nursing-related field.
Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English.
Physical Fitness: Ability to lift 45+ lbs and remain mobile for long shifts.
Compliance: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Salary and Grade Comparison

This position is open at the GS-3 through GS-5 levels, depending on your experience and education.

Grade Level	Education/Experience Requirement	Salary Range (Annual)
GS-3	Basic requirements met	$36,464 - $56,861
GS-4	1 year specialized experience or 2 years post-high school	$36,464 - $56,861
GS-5	1 year at GS-4 level or Bachelor's degree	$36,464 - $56,861

Benefits of Working at the VA

Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled stability and benefits, including:

Paid Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of leave annually, including holidays and sick leave.
Retirement Security: A traditional pension plan plus a 401(k)-style thrift savings plan with up to 5% matching.
Family Support: Access to childcare subsidies and paid parental leave after your first year of service.
Comprehensive Insurance: Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance options that can follow you into retirement.

Application Tips

Success in federal hiring relies on detail. Use these tips to improve your odds:

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your experience description clearly maps to the 'Major Duties' listed in the official job posting.
Documentation Matters: If you are a veteran or a current federal employee, attach your DD-214 or SF-50 respectively to claim your preference.
Submit Early: Do not wait until the final hours on November 13, 2026. Technical glitches can occur, and late submissions will not be accepted.

Joining the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center means joining a team dedicated to 'Whole Health.' If you are ready to serve those who have sacrificed so much, we encourage you to submit your application today. Start your adventure in Johnson City—a city with a hometown heart and big-city opportunity.

Why This Nursing Assistant-Medical, Surgical And Telemetry (C2) Job Matters

Become a vital part of the healing process for our nation's Veterans by joining the dedicated healthcare team at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Nursing Assistant-Medical, Surgical And Telemetry (C2) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking compassionate and skilled Nursing Assistants to provide essential patient care in Medical, Surgical, and Telemetry settings. In this role, you will work under the direction of licensed healthcare professionals to assist with activities of daily living, contribute to treatment plans, and ensure the comfort and recovery of those who served. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to provide high-quality, whole-health care within a supportive and collaborative interdisciplinary team environment.

Requirements for Nursing Assistant-Medical, Surgical And Telemetry (C2)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be hired only if no qualified citizens are available).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of at least one year of post-high school education related to nursing or an intensive occupation-related course.
Ability to perform physical requirements including heavy lifting (45+ lbs), extensive walking, standing, and bending.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Completion of all mandatory onboarding and pre-employment documentation.
Must serve a 1 to 2-year trial period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant-Medical, Surgical And Telemetry (C2)

One year of acute or skilled care nursing experience.
Proven ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
Demonstrated skill in using diagnostic equipment such as blood glucose monitors and bladder scanners.
Ability to adapt quickly to high-stress, clinical environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays).
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
✓Traditional Federal Pension (5-year vesting).
✓Federal 401(k) plan with agency matching up to 5%.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
✓Potential for service credit toward annual leave accrual.

💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant-Medical, Surgical And Telemetry (C2) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nursing Assistant-Medical, Surgical And Telemetry (C2) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Review the full position requirements and occupational questionnaire.
Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and relevant professional certifications.
Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and requests for further information.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
Ensure all educational documents, such as transcripts, are clearly labeled.
If you have federal experience, include your most recent SF-50 to verify your status.
Complete the online questionnaire thoroughly, as it is a core component of your application assessment.
Double-check that all supporting documents are attached before the final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this position?

This position requires a Night Shift Rotational schedule, typically from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, permanent change of station (PCS) expenses are not authorized for this position.

Can I qualify for this job if I am still in school?

Yes, applicants pending completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but you must meet all requirements before the official hiring date.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, compassionate care to the men and women who have served in our nation’s military. As part of a High Reliability Organization (HRO), the VA Midsouth Healthcare Network emphasizes a 'Whole Health' model, transforming patient interactions from purely transactional to truly relational.