Veterans Health Administration is hiring for its own floors — no agency between you and the manager. The posted pay pencils out to roughly $40k–$65k a year. Per-diem means you set the rhythm — pick up when it works, step back when it doesn't.
What the listing says
Base pay
$40k–$65k/yr
About this role
Show full description
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. Experience or Education or Training: Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a Nursing Assistant; OR, One year of education above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation; OR, Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-03. English Language Proficiency: Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03 Nursing Assistant (Entry Level): Experience and
Education:
None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 Nursing Assistant:
Experience:
One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician hospital corpsman, etc.), 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,
Education:
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, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians; AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 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. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-05 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level):
Experience:
One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-04 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. OR,
Education:
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSA below: Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents 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. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new NAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. 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:
2-4 years of Outpatient Experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05. Physical
Requirements:
The work requires the Nursing Assistant to be mobile throughout the Medical Center as needed, involving standing, walking, bending, pushing and lifting (moderate-heavy). The Nursing Assistant should be capable of prolonged standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment.
Skills for this role
EKGMinor Medical OR Surgical ProceduresBasic Life SupportControlling BleedingBehavior Crisis InterventionPatient CareVital Signs
Requirements
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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 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.
About the employer
VA
Veterans Health Administration
Hospital
Nationally the VA describes itself as the largest U.S. nurse employer, with more than 120,000 RNs, APNs, LPNs, and nursing assistants. The VA has said it is on pace to reduce staff by nearly 30,000 by the end of FY2025…
What reviewers appreciate
+CPRS/VISTA already in use as the EHR
+VA employs more than 120,000 nursing staff nationally across settings
+Some new grads describe VA pay as decent for no experience
What reviewers flag
−VA on pace to cut nearly 30,000 staff by end of FY2025 via attrition, early outs, and hiring freeze
−Nurses discuss anxiety, stress, and uncertainty about staying in VHA roles
−Public threads note doctors and nurses turning down VA offers
White River Junction sits where the White and Connecticut rivers meet, offering a small-town Vermont vibe with a surprising arts scene. The historic downtown features galleries, cafes, and the Northern Stage theater, making it a compact, culturally rich spot for nurses seeking a quieter pace with creative energy.
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