Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitation Unit)

Quick Facts

• Role: Nursing Assistant for a Rehabilitation Unit

• Setting: Outpatient, inpatient, and home/community living care

• Population: Veterans/residents with acute-to-chronic conditions

• Schedule: Rotating shifts

• Telework: Not available

Description

Provide direct patient/resident care in a VA Rehab Unit. Observe and escalate subtle changes in condition, document care and responses, and perform nursing assistant procedures within scope. Support treatment planning and patients’ independence using therapeutic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Use a blood glucose monitoring machine to obtain readings and refer deviations to appropriate staff

• Deliver direct care for complex veterans

• Observe for subtle changes (behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc.) and act within the assigned role

• Document care given, observations, and responses on required tools/forms

• Respond appropriately to patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personnel

• Provide complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning

• Monitor and document intake and output; report deviations timely and accurately

• Perform nursing procedures within scope of practice per policy (e.g., enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care/simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices)

• Support small group activities aligned with the treatment plan

• Promote autonomy and independence through respect, limit setting, and individualized treatment

• Actively participate in treatment planning meetings

• Use equipment to support self-care (e.g., lift equipment, Hydro sound tubs, wandering system)

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Complete VA online onboarding and pre-employment requirements with acceptable identification

• Pass pre-employment physical examination

• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

• Complete required urinalysis/drug screening if selected

• Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959

• Ability to meet physical requirements (walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing; possible patient/object transfers)

• Meet NA qualification criteria (e.g., 6 months general experience OR 1 year related education OR <1 year intensive NA training)

Benefits

A comprehensive federal benefits package is available; eligibility depends on the specific position and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.