Nursing Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Coatesville (Chester County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus)

Up to 37–50 days paid time off annually

Health Insurance coverage

Retirement benefits including pension

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for dedicated Nursing Assistants at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. This role involves providing comprehensive care to veterans, including monitoring their conditions and documenting care provided.

The position offers competitive compensation, including a sign-on bonus and extensive paid time off, with shifts that may include evenings and weekends. Ideal candidates will have necessary training and a commitment to veteran care.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship is required.
• Six months of experience or relevant training necessary.
• Ability to provide comprehensive care and follow through on nursing care plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for veterans and monitor their conditions.
• Document all care and observations on appropriate forms.
• Assist and monitor patient care equipment.

Skills

Patient Care Skills

Communication

Ability to Observe Patient Status

Teamwork

Education

Completion of relevant training

High school education or higher

Job description

Summary

Recruitment or relocation incentive authorized for eligible highly qualified candidates. This announcement is intended to fill Nursing Assistant positions in the Geriatrics and Extended Care unit at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Shifts could include evenings and/or days with rotation including weekends and holidays. Shift schedule will be determined based on patient and facility needs.

Qualifications

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience or Education or Training: one of the following:
  • Six months of general experience demonstrating ability to acquire knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA.
  • One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation.
  • Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation‑related training course of study less than one year as an NA; may meet experience requirements for GS‑3 and may qualify under the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees.
• Grade Determinations: GS‑3 NA (Entry Level) Experience and Education; GS‑4 NA Experience; GS‑5 NA Full Performance Level Experience.
  • GS‑4: One year of specialized experience as an NA or experience in another medical field (e.g., licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman).
  • GS‑5: One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to GS‑4 level, plus demonstrated KSAs; or successful completion of a 4‑year bachelor’s degree with related coursework.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). Candidates must demonstrate:
  • Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to completion of nursing care plans.
  • Ability to observe patients/residents’ status and refer deviations to supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Ability to use equipment and supplies for diagnostic and treatment procedures.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, families, and health professionals.
  • Optional: ability to serve as a preceptor to new NAs.

Preferred Experience: One year of Nursing Assistant experience.

Duties

• Provide direct care for complex veterans, including observations of subtle changes in condition and taking appropriate action.
• Document care given, observations, and responses on appropriate tools or forms.
• Respond appropriately to patient changes by contacting appropriate nursing personnel.
• Monitor intake and output, report deviations timely and accurately.
• Perform nursing procedures within scope of practice (e.g., enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices).
• Promote resident autonomy by respecting limits and individualized treatment.
• Enter information in charts using appropriate formats.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment and report accidents, hazards, or faulty equipment.
• Engage in group activities such as off‑station trips, reality orientation, current events, and therapeutic groups.
• Set up patient care equipment (e.g., oxygen delivery systems, portable and wall suction). Assist in monitoring proper functioning of equipment.

Work Schedule

Shifts include 3:30 pm – 12:00 am or 12:00 am – 8:00 am with rotation to weekends and holidays, or 7:30 am – 4:00 pm rotating days including holidays and weekends.

Compensation and Benefits

• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Up to $3,000 may be authorized.
• Competitive base salary with regular salary increases; higher step rate for higher or unique qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: Eligible employees may receive subsidy up to 25% of childcare costs.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Health Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care insurance.
• Telework: Not available.

Additional Information

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) not authorized. This continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants, closing on September 23, 2026. First cut‑off date for referral of eligible applications is July 9, 2026, with subsequent reviews every two weeks until positions are filled.