Nursing Assistant-Float Pool

Veterans Health Administration (DOVA); Tennessee; On-site; USD 36,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration (DOVA) in Johnson City, TN, is seeking a Nursing Assistant (Float Pool) at GS-3 to GS-5. This full-time position supports patient care across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings, contributing to treatment plans and patient wellness.

The Float Pool NA provides direct patient care, assists with activities of daily living, maintains therapeutic environments, documents care, and supports the nursing team under supervision.

Qualifications

• One year above high school with courses related to Nursing Assistant.
• Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant.
• English Language Proficiency: must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Collect data, report, and document in medical records.
• Assist with nursing care tasks following care plans.
• Monitor patient status and report deviations.
• Operate patient care equipment and supplies.

Skills

Nursing Assistant

Patient care

Communication skills

Observation skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

One year above high school coursework related to Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistant coursework less than one year

Job description

Summary

The NA in the Float Pool successfully completes duties, and in this position performs activities of daily living and provides a range of care that contributes to the Veteran’s treatment plan, recovery, and wellness under the direction of a licensed health care provider. The NA in the Float Pool may perform these duties in a variety of health care settings such as outpatient, inpatient, home or Community Living Center (CLC), acute, sub-acute..
Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help Accepting applications Location 1 vacancy in the following location: Johnson City, TN No matching locations found. Work site options

Telework eligible: No

Remote job: No

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

$36,464 – $56,861 per year

GS 3 – 5

Promotion potential: None

Full-time

Not required

Permanent

• 0621 Nursing Assistant

Supervisory status: No

This job is in the Competitive Service

No

Yes

Other

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk; Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

• Suitability/Fitness

No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

CBTG-13103657-27-CGS

891222200

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. 1st Consideration will go to permanent VHA employees, this does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.

Videos

Duties

The NA in the Float Pool becomes proficient with maintaining positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing communication skills. Utilizing observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording. Participates in patient centered conferences/shift reports and contributes information for the development and review of the nursing care plan. Maintaining a therapeutic environment for patients according to established procedures and policies by reporting actual or potential accidents, fire hazards and faulty equipment.

Competent at performing aspects of nursing care to meet patient’/resident needs for:

• Personal Hygiene
• Physical Comfort
• Activity, Exercise, Rest
• Nutrition
• Elimination
• Prevention of Skin Breakdown
• Rehabilitative Aspects of Care

Performs and documents prescribed medical treatment and interventions for patients, such as diabetic urine testing and blood testing, and simple dressing changes. Learning to be proficient utilizing rehabilitative principles to promote patient independence and recovery, encouraging and guiding patient/residents in bowel and bladder training.

Engages in-group activities such as off-station trips, reality orientation, current events and other therapeutic groups with direction and close supervision. Monitoring patients according to levels of observations i.e. (one to one suicide, continuous observation, q 15 minute checks, and hourly rounding. Monitoring Veterans who may be at risk for harming themselves and or others according to established policies and procedures and appropriately refers issues to the charge nurse or other health care professional. Utilizing principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients. Reporting patient status to the RN and documents pertinent observations in the medical record according to established procedures.

Sets up patient care related equipment, such as hypothermia machines, oxygen delivery systems, portable and wall suction and assisting in monitoring proper functioning of equipment. Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to collect glucose values on veterans when needed and refer deviations to appropriate nursing staff or other health care provider. Organizing and obtaining routine supplies and equipment. Assisting with patient education including orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies.

Works as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team. Safeguarding the patient’s right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature. Utilizes principles of proper body mechanics and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury. Beginning to orient lower-level nursing assistance. Completes all mandatory training within appropriate timelines. Actively participates in annual competency assessment and validation.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent is responsible to the Nurse Manager and is accountable to the Associate Director of Patient Care Services (ADPCS).

Customer Service Requirements:

Meets the needs of all customers while supporting the Medical Center and Service missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers {patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

Work Schedule

Night Shift (7:30 p.m.-8:00 a.m.) (Rotational)

Pay

Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Pay Schedule

V0SO and 001M

Paid Time Off

37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Parental Leave

After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy

After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement

Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance

Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework

Not Available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #

61719-F, 61720-F, 61721-F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements. Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the “Required Documents” section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the 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.
• Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.
• English Language Proficiency: must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

GS-3

No specialized experience beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4

One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or experience in another medical field, performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments.-OR – successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position.

In addition to the above, applicant must demonstrate the following.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1 Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patient/residents.

2 Ability to observe patients/residents physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.

3 Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection etc.

4 Ability to communicate effectively with patient / residents, their families and other health professionals.

GS- 5

One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignments-OR- successful completion of a 4 year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree.

In addition the above, applicant must demonstrate the following.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1 Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patient/resident with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse.

2 Ability to communicate orally with patients/ residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new nursing assistants by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/ assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting.

3 Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example: recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.

Preferred Experience:

One year experience as working as a Nursing Assistant

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5.

Physical Requirements:

Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight pulling (up to 8 hours); Pushing (up to 8 hours); Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); kneeling (2 to 3 hours); repeated bending (up to 8 hours); both legs required; hearing (aid permitted).The population of male and female veterans served ranges from the adult, age 18, to the elderly adult, age 65 and over. James H Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JHQVAMC) is a major inter disciplinary teaching facility, serving medical, surgical, and neurological inpatients and outpatients. There is a large outpatient psychiatric population, with admissions for medical comorbidities. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, lifting more than 10 pounds, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The NA may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The NA may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The NA must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The employee may on occasion, be assigned to other Veteran care areas throughout the medical center where certain healthcare services are available 24/7.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request

Required documents

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.