Nursing Assistant (PACU)

Quick Facts

• Role: Nursing Assistant (PACU) in a Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)/Day Surgery setting

• Work schedule: Variable 8-hour day tours

Description

Assist nursing staff with basic patient care and PACU/Post Anesthesia Day Surgery support tasks under supervision of nurse leadership and registered/licensed nurses. Duties include transporting patients within the hospital, preparing patients and rooms for procedures and discharge, supporting OR/PACU workflow, and performing assigned routine technical tasks. Maintain safety, infection control, and privacy (HIPAA), and report incidents immediately.

Responsibilities

• Transport patients to and from areas such as ED, wards, critical care, clinics, diagnostic/treatment areas, and for discharge

• Move patients from waiting areas to dressing areas; support comfort and dressing

• Help with canceled procedures and discharge support (e.g., removing IVs, assisting with dressing and discharge needs)

• Perform glucometer quality control and capillary blood glucose (CBG) testing as necessary

• Restock and maintain changing rooms; wipe surfaces; hang clean gowns; set out footies; maintain glove supplies

• Assist patients to the bathroom and answer call lights

• Apply SCDs or TED hose as necessary

• Perform EKGs when needed

• Support OR/PACU staff with ancillary tasks: deliver specimens to labs, deliver supplies/equipment, deliver patient belongings, restock linens/pillows, locate and return stretchers and equipment

• Maintain environmental safety by keeping areas and hallways clutter-free; prepare rooms for the next day (restocking, organizing equipment, making surgical beds)

• Wear appropriate PPE as indicated and comply with infection control and information security policies

• Comply with HIPAA

• Report all incidents and/or accidents to the supervisor immediately

• Treat patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers with respect and uphold core values (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence)

• Perform other direct and indirect patient-care tasks as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination

• Complete VA onboarding and pre-employment documentation (including I-9 with acceptable identification)

• Urinalysis testing may be required if in a testing-designated position

• Selective Service registration required for eligible males

• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

• Meet basic Nursing Assistant (NA) experience/education/training requirements: 6 months general experience OR 1 year education above high school in related courses OR completion of an occupation-related NA training program < 1 year

• Meet grade-level KSAs/qualification criteria (GS-3 to GS-5), including patient observation and timely referral, use of simple diagnostic/treatment equipment, effective communication, and ability to respond to emergent situations

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases

• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annually (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)

• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service

• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment

• Child care subsidy eligibility after 60 days (for eligible full-time employees under the income threshold)

• Retirement: traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions

• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options

• Comprehensive federal benefits for employees and families (eligibility depends on the position type)