Nursing Assistant

Quick Facts

• Full performance level: Nursing Assistant (NA), GS-5 (vacancy grade range: GS-5 to GS-5)
• Role: Member of the nursing care team assisting licensed nursing staff

Description

Assist in providing preventive, acute, sub-acute, chronic maintenance, and hospice care, including complex patient assignments. Monitor patients/residents for subtle condition changes, perform procedures within scope, document care and observations, and communicate concerns to the appropriate nursing personnel. Participate in treatment planning and help maintain a clean, safe environment with strong infection-control practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed nursing staff with direct care for patients/residents with complex needs
• Use glucose monitoring equipment and report deviations
• Observe and respond to subtle changes in condition (behavior, mood, skin color, appetite)
• Document care, observations, and intake/output accurately
• Perform nursing procedures within scope and policy (e.g., enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care and simple dressing, braces/prosthetic devices)
• Administer complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning
• Support group activities per the treatment plan; promote independence and autonomy
• Participate in treatment planning meetings and communicate information to the care team
• Maintain a clean, safe environment; report hazards and follow safety regulations
• Use proper aseptic technique; contribute to infection control
• Serve as unit safe patient handling liaison
• Preceptor/mentor to other Nursing Assistants; orient health care team members
• Assist with patient behavior management and coordinate help from other team members

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Background/security investigation required
• Complete required onboarding and pre-employment documentation
• Urinalysis testing may be required for testing-designated positions
• Selective Service registration required for eligible males
• Influenza vaccination program participation required
• Meet Nursing Assistant basic requirements (6 months general experience OR 1 year education above high school OR <1 year specialized training)
• For GS-5: 1 year progressively responsible GS-4–equivalent experience OR relevant bachelor’s education; demonstrate required knowledge/skills/abilities
• Meet physical requirements for patient care and complete annual Employee Health requirements (e.g., TB screening/testing)

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases and potential above-minimum step for qualifying experience/unique qualifications
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annual paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays)
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Child care subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees under an income threshold
• Retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options (many can carry into retirement)
• Federal benefits eligibility depends on position details