Nursing Assistant - Acute Care

Veterans Health Administration • Fargo, ND

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Fargo VA Health Care System is hiring an Acute Care Nursing Assistant to provide direct, hands-on support to Veterans with complex medical needs on fast-paced inpatient units. The role assists with daily care, monitors clinical changes, performs delegated procedures, transports patients, and helps maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

The position is not available for telework and is not virtual. The work schedule consists of rotating day and night shifts, including rotating weekends and holidays. The full performance level is GS-5; applicants may be selected at GS-3 through GS-5. The position is in the Excepted Service and requires a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation and Basic Life Support certification. Training is provided for BLS.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network uses a Whole Health System approach that supports personalized health plans for Veterans through healing relationships and environments and connections to their communities. This role supports the VHA mission to honor Veterans through exceptional care that improves health and well-being.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required; training is provided.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.
• Must meet one basic qualification path: six months of general experience demonstrating ability to acquire Nursing Assistant skills; one year of related education above high school; or completion of an intensive, specialized occupation-related Nursing Assistant training course of less than one year.
• For GS-4, qualify with one year of Nursing Assistant or related medical-field experience performing technical and nursing skills, or two years of related post-high-school education; also demonstrate the specified patient care, observation and reporting, equipment use, and communication abilities.
• For GS-5, qualify with one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 in related nursing care, or a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of health-care-related courses, or possession of a bachelor's degree; also demonstrate the specified nursing-care, communication, and emergency-response abilities.
• Complete required application documentation and the online onboarding process if selected.
• Subject to background and security investigation and, for applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated VA employment, pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• A 1- or 2-year trial period is required, with continued employment contingent on written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living, transfers, and ambulation, and provide individualized care to acutely and chronically ill patients.
• Observe and report changes in patient condition, including skin integrity, behavior, mood, and response to care.
• Perform oral suctioning, colostomy care, catheter care, IV flow observation, and other assigned nursing procedures.
• Obtain and record vital signs, oxygen saturation, height, weight, blood glucose levels, and intake and output; report abnormalities.
• Provide 1:1 sitter coverage and support behavioral safety needs as assigned.
• Transport patients for tests and procedures and ensure safe oxygen management, including tank exchange.
• Perform delegated EKGs and support other diagnostic activities.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, including initiating basic life support.
• Contribute to the nurse care plan and patient recovery under the direction of nursing staff.
• Communicate with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other personnel; at GS-5, assist with orientation and practical experience of new Nursing Assistants as a preceptor.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility criteria.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed