Nursing Assistant (Med/Surg H3E)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health care system is seeking Nursing Assistants to provide direct patient care in collaboration with a nursing team during night shifts. Positions are available at GS-3, GS-4, and GS-5 levels, with responsibilities ranging from basic patient support to more complex nursing care. Ideal candidates possess a strong commitment to patient care, effective communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment. Competitive salary and federal benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary with potential step increases

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days annually

Paid parental leave up to 12 weeks

Child Care Subsidy up to 25% for eligible employees

Retirement, insurance, and other federal benefits

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
• No experience required for GS-3; hospital experience preferred for GS-5.

Responsibilities

• Assist nursing staff in providing direct patient care.
• Maintain patient hygiene and safety.
• Collaborate with peers for efficient workload completion.

Skills

Patient care

Team collaboration

Communication

Vital signs measurement

Infection control

Education

One year above high school or specialized NA course

Completion of 2 years above high school with related courses

Four-year bachelor's degree with related coursework

Job description

This position is located in the Eastern Colorado Health Care System under Patient Care Services, Inpatient Nursing, Acute Care. The purpose of this position is to provide a range of direct patient care in collaboration with the inpatient nursing team. The incumbent will serve as a member of the nursing NIGHT SHIFT team. All work is reviewed by a Registered Nurse (RN).

Duties

GS03 - General Description:
Individuals assigned as GS-3 Nursing Assistant (NA) are at the entry or developmental level and are closely supervised. They assist higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other care team members in caring for patients/residents in outpatient, home, community, or acute, sub-acute, or chronic care settings. They provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors or higher-level staff.

GS04 - General Description:
Individuals assigned as GS-4 NA are at the intermediate or developmental level and are closely supervised. They function as part of the nursing care team, assisting higher graded NAs, licensed staff, and other team members in caring for patients/residents in various care settings. They provide care under close supervision and refer issues to supervisors or higher-level staff.

GS05 - General Description:
Individuals assigned as GS-5 NA function as members of the nursing care team, assisting licensed nursing staff with patients/residents requiring more complex nursing needs. They also serve as peer educators or mentors.

Additional Duties and Skills:

• Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.
• Care for patients with communicable diseases, following isolation precautions.
• Use sterile techniques for treatments and dressings, including wrapping stumps, irrigating, and stabilizing ostomies.
• Provide urinary/catheter care, including perineal hygiene and external catheter application.
• Measure and record vital signs and intake/output.
• Utilize CPRS and Clinicomp/Essentris systems per policy.
• Follow safe patient handling practices and infection control procedures.
• Assist in patient transfer, personal hygiene, and preventative/rehabilitative care.
• Collaborate with peers to complete workload efficiently.

Work Schedule

Night shift - 80 hours per pay period, including weekends and holidays. Flexible scheduling authorized.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary with potential step increases.
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days annually.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months.
• Child Care Subsidy: Up to 25% of childcare costs for eligible employees.
• Retirement, insurance, and other federal benefits included.

Requirements

Basic Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship.
• One year above high school with related courses or completion of a specialized NA course.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations:

GS-3 Nursing Assistant:

Experience: None beyond basic requirements.

GS-4 Nursing Assistant:

One year of specialized experience or completion of 2 years above high school with related courses. Demonstrate KSAs in patient care, observation, equipment use, and communication.

GS-5 Nursing Assistant:

One year of progressively responsible experience at GS-4 level or completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with related coursework. Demonstrate KSAs in full range of nursing care, communication, and emergency response. Preferred: hospital experience.

Physical Requirements

Requires visual acuity, hearing, manual dexterity, and ability to perform physical tasks including walking, standing, transferring, and working in potentially infectious environments. Must complete annual health requirements and may need to drive or ride GSA vehicles for off-site care.