Rewarding Clinical Career: Become a Nursing Assistant with the VA in Oklahoma City

If you are searching for a direct patient care role that combines professional growth, competitive earnings, and a deep sense of mission, the Department of Veterans Affairs has an outstanding opportunity for you. The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for two dedicated Nursing Assistants (GS-0621-03/05).

As a core member of the interdisciplinary clinical team, a VA Nursing Assistant serves on the frontline of healthcare delivery, assisting American veterans through compassionate, hands-on medical support. Whether you are launching your clinical pathway or looking to transition existing medical experience into a stable federal public service career, this position offers an ideal environment to elevate your professional capabilities while enjoying exceptional employee benefits.

About the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates under President Lincoln's historic pledge: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System fulfills this vital mission daily across its 192-bed tertiary care facility, serving a patient population of over 81,000 Veterans throughout Oklahoma and north-central Texas.

As a prominent teaching hospital deeply integrated with academic, research, and technical advancement, the Oklahoma City VA offers healthcare staff access to state-of-the-art facilities and complex medical operations. Located in a metropolis renowned for its rich cultural history, vibrant arts scene, and more than 250 days of annual sunshine, Oklahoma City delivers an exceptional quality of life with an affordable cost of living, top-ranked family neighborhoods, and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities.

Position Responsibilities & Work Schedule

As a Nursing Assistant within this facility, you will perform fundamental clinical duties under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). You will care for patients presenting with acute to chronic physical and behavioral health conditions across inpatient, outpatient, and long-term community care settings.

Primary Duties Include:

Direct Personal Care: Assisting Veterans with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, physical comfort, mobility, positioning, turning, exercise, and nutritional support.
Diagnostic & Vital Monitoring: Accurately measuring and recording physical indicators including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, height, weight, and fluid intake/output. Utilizing blood glucose meters, bladder scanners, and continuous passive motion devices.
Therapeutic Engagement: Building positive therapeutic relationships that respect human dignity, utilizing active listening and observation skills to monitor emotional or physical status changes.
Emergency Response: Promptly identifying emergent clinical situations—such as behavioral crises, sudden bleeding, or cardiac distress—and initiating basic life support (BLS) interventions while calling for clinical assistance.
Orientation & Mentorship: At higher pay grades (GS-5), serving as a preceptor for newly hired nursing assistants by overseeing practical skill orientation in clinical units.

Work Schedule Details:

Shift: 12-Hour Night Shift (7:30 PM to 8:00 AM).
Rotation: Includes alternating weekends and federal holidays.

Qualification Requirements & GS Grade Structure

Candidates can qualify for this posting at the GS-3, GS-4, or GS-5 level depending on a combination of post-secondary education and clinical work experience.

Basic Requirements for All Levels:

U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must hold United States citizenship.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate clear written and spoken English skills.
Medical Fitness: Pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening are mandatory.

Grade-Specific Qualification Criteria:

GS-3 Grade Level:
- Experience: Six months of general experience demonstrating basic aptitude for healthcare work; OR
- Education: One year of post-high school education incorporating health-related coursework; OR
- Training Program: Completion of an intensive, specialized nurse assistant training course of less than one year.
GS-4 Grade Level:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-3 level as a Nursing Assistant, LPN, Health Technician, or Hospital Corpsman involving basic therapeutic interventions and technical skills; OR
- Education: Successful completion of two years of post-secondary education (60 semester hours) with health-related coursework.
- Core KSAs: Ability to execute nurse care plans, recognize emotional/physical deviations, operate diagnostic equipment, and communicate effectively with clinical teams.
GS-5 Grade Level (Full Performance Level):
- Experience: One year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to the GS-4 level demonstrating advanced clinical judgment; OR
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university that includes at least 24 semester hours of health care-related coursework.
- Core KSAs: Ability to provide full-range care for acute behavioral/physical conditions, serve as a clinical preceptor, and react decisively during life-threatening emergencies.

Salary Overview & Comparison Matrix

The salary for this position ranges from $38,287 to $55,961 annually, with exact step placement determined upon selection based on experience, education, and VA qualifications policy. Higher step rates may be awarded for candidates possessing exceptional qualifications.

Grade Level	Education Path	Work Experience Path	Annual Salary Range
GS-03	1 Year Post-High School (Health Courses)	6 Months General Healthcare Experience	$38,287 – Base Entry
GS-04	2 Years Post-High School (60 Sem. Hours)	1 Year Specialized Experience (GS-3 Equivalent)	Intermediate GS Schedule
GS-05	Bachelor's Degree (24 Sem. Hours Health)	1 Year Specialized Experience (GS-4 Equivalent)	Up to $55,961

Note: Night shift differentials and holiday pay augment base compensation.

Exceptional Federal Employee Benefits

Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers unmatched career stability and compensation perks that far exceed standard private sector offerings:

Generous Paid Time Off: Receive 37 to 50 days of paid time off each year, combining 13 to 26 annual leave days, 13 sick leave days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), offering wide selections of medical, vision, and dental plans that can be carried into retirement.
Retirement Security: Benefit from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension (vested after 5 years) alongside a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP 401k) featuring up to 5% automatic and matching agency contributions.
Paid Parental Leave: Receive up to 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child after 12 months of service.
Childcare Support: Eligible full-time employees can receive monthly childcare subsidies of up to $416.66.

Tips for a Winning Application

To ensure your application successfully passes initial HR screening, pay close attention to these vital resume guidelines:

Use Detailed Date Formatting: Federal HR specialists require exact details to credit your experience. Express all employment dates in MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY format.
Specify Weekly Hours: Always state your exact average weekly work hours (e.g., "40 hours/week"). Leaving this off may result in disqualified experience.
Align Duties with GS KSAs: Detail specific nursing equipment you operate, such as blood glucose monitors, vitals equipment, and bladder scanners. Explicitly outline emergency response actions you are qualified to perform.
Submit Transcripts Early: If you are qualifying using post-secondary education or a college degree, upload your unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral or course credits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the full performance potential of this vacancy?

The full performance ceiling for this vacancy is the GS-5 grade level.

Is travel required for this position?

No. Travel is listed at 0%, meaning your duties are entirely localized to the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System facility.

Are male candidates required to be registered with Selective Service?

Yes. U.S. citizens born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System to hold federal employment.

How does the VA evaluate volunteer experience?

Equal credit is given to all qualifying experience, whether gained through paid employment or volunteer service with organizations like the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or local community clinics.

A Nursing Assistant position with the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is more than just a job—it is a mission-driven career protecting the health of those who served America. With comprehensive federal retirement packages, competitive pay progression, and generous paid leave, this role offers unmatched security and satisfaction.

Applications close on November 12, 2026. Ensure your documents are fully updated and submit your application package today to start your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs!

Why This Nursing Assistant Job Matters

Make a profound impact in the lives of American heroes by joining the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System as a Nursing Assistant. Enjoy competitive salary growth, night shift differentials, robust federal retirement programs, and up to 50 days of paid time off!

Nursing Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is actively recruiting for two Nursing Assistant positions at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System. This rewarding role involves providing direct bedside care, assisting with diagnostic tests, monitoring patient vitals, and upholding patient dignity in an acute or long-term setting. Operating on a 12-hour night shift (7:30 PM to 8:00 AM) with alternating weekends and holidays, candidates can qualify across GS-3, GS-4, or GS-5 levels based on a combination of healthcare experience and higher education.

Requirements for Nursing Assistant

Must be a United States Citizen.
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Subject to a federal background check and suitability determination.
Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Mandatory annual seasonal influenza vaccination or an approved medical/religious exemption.
Must provide REAL ID-compliant identification prior to employment onboarding.
Completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period upon appointment.

Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant

Prior clinical experience in an Emergency Room (ER) setting.
Background as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Health Technician, or Hospital Corpsman.
Completion of an intensive, state-approved, or military Nursing Assistant training program.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓37 to 50 days of total paid time off annually (13-26 annual leave days, 13 sick leave days, and 11 paid federal holidays).
✓Traditional Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension with vesting after 5 years.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP / 401k match) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
✓Child Care Subsidy eligibility for qualifying employees (up to $416.66 per month).
✓Comprehensive health insurance options (FEHB), dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance (portable into retirement).

💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nursing Assistant Job

Navigate to the official USAJOBS position listing and click 'Apply Online'.
Create or log in to your USAJOBS profile and select your preferred detailed resume.
Complete the online occupational assessment questionnaire thoroughly.
Attach required documentation, such as transcripts, SF-50s, or DD-214 forms if applicable.
Review your submitted answers and documents before confirming your final package.
Submit your complete application prior to 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 12, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Structure your resume to clearly state your full-time or part-time status, including exact hours worked per week and exact start/end dates (MM/YYYY).
Highlight experience with medical devices such as glucose monitors, continuous passive motion units, or bladder scanners.
Include both paid and volunteer clinical experience, ensuring your resume demonstrates specific GS-level Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
If qualifying using education, submit an unofficial college transcript verifying your course subjects and completed semester hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shift schedule for this Nursing Assistant position?

This role features a 12-hour night shift running from 7:30 PM to 8:00 AM, with alternating weekends and federal holidays.

Is emergency room experience required to qualify?

No, ER experience is preferred but not required. All minimally qualified applicants meeting GS-3 through GS-5 basic requirements will be fully considered.

What pay grade range does this position offer?

This position is advertised from the GS-3 entry level up to the GS-5 full performance level, with salaries ranging between $38,287 and $55,961 annually depending on qualifications.

Are federal healthcare employees required to receive the flu vaccine?

Yes, annual seasonal influenza vaccination is mandatory for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel, unless a formal medical or religious exemption is approved.

Nursing Assistant Job

Veterans Health Administration