Nursing Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Nursing Assistant (NA) supporting licensed nursing staff and the care team
• Work schedule: 7:30am–8:00pm (12 hours and flexible hours, including weekends); subject to change

Description

The Nursing Assistant (NA) functions as a member of the nursing care team and assists licensed nursing staff in caring for patients/residents across preventive, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice settings. The role includes personal nursing care, diagnostic support duties, therapeutic treatments, patient charting, and age-specific care under close supervision. You will provide basic, customer-focused patient care for an assigned group of patients.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for complex patients as directed by a preceptor/RN/LVN/LPN
• Perform and document personal hygiene (bathing, oral care, hair/nail care)
• Obtain and record vital signs, including orthostatic vital signs
• Perform a Snellen acuity eye exam
• Use a point-of-care glucometer to collect and document glucose readings
• Label specimens for the laboratory
• Assist with wound dressing (applying/removing bandages)
• Transport/escort patients to various facility areas using wheelchair or stretcher
• Support increased observation needs (e.g., one-to-one/direct line of sight)
• Encourage and support patient self-care
• Perform supporting diagnostic duties by taking/recording/reporting observations to the RN
• Assist with treatments such as applying hot and cold packs
• Monitor and document intake and output; report deviations timely and accurately
• Perform nursing procedures within scope of practice per policies/SOPs (enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressings, application of braces/prosthetic devices)
• Assist in diagnostic/therapeutic procedures by setting up trays/instruments
• Observe and report subtle changes in condition; intervene while waiting for assistance
• Recognize and initiate resuscitative measures for cardiopulmonary arrest, respiratory arrest, or choking
• Record patient information and condition in CPRS using established format
• Maintain therapeutic relationships, display respect for dignity, and safeguard patient privacy
• Use proper body mechanics and patient care equipment (including lift/transfer equipment) to prevent injury
• Set up and use equipment (oxygen delivery systems, portable and wall suction, continuous cardiac/BP/pulse oximetry monitoring)
• Perform 12-lead electrocardiograms with proper lead placement
• Organize routine supplies/equipment; orient patients/families to unit routines and policies
• Participate in treatment planning meetings; serve as a preceptor/mentor to other NAs
• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team and follow safety/cleanliness standards

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Six months of general experience OR one year of post–high school education related to the nursing assistant occupation OR completion of an intensive specialized nursing assistant training course (< 1 year)
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Pass pre-employment physical examination
• Complete online onboarding and required pre-employment documentation with acceptable identification
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Urinalysis screening for illegal drug use for testing-designated positions
• Ability to meet physical requirements (visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity; prolonged standing/walking/stooping/bending; patient/object transfers; exposure to infected/contaminated materials; work in stressful situations)
• Must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period with public interest certification for continued employment

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annual paid time off per year (13–26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 federal holidays)
• Parental leave: up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment
• Child care subsidy eligibility after 60 days for qualifying full-time employees
• Retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions
• Insurance: health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options (eligibility depends on position)