About the opportunity
This full-time Nursing Assistant position is organizationally aligned under Patient Care Services in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at the Lexington VA Health Care System, a two-divisional teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Kentucky (UK) Medical Center. The primary work location is the Bowling Campus, with occasional assignments at the Sousley Campus as needed. The incumbent serves as an active member of the nursing team, assisting registered nurses with patient care, managing specialized equipment, and supporting the ICU as patient workload requires. The position operates on a rotating shift schedule, with a current primary need for night shift coverage.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary and regular salary increases with grade progression from GS-3 to GS-5
- 37 to 50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays
- Credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
- Child care subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to a monthly maximum of $416.66 for qualifying full-time employees with a family income below $144,000
- Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching contributions by VA
- Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
Who can apply?
- Must be a United States citizen (non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Must be proficient in spoken and written English
- Meet basic education or experience requirements: six months of general experience, one year of education above high school related to the occupation, or completion of an intensive specialized training course as a Nursing Assistant
- For grade levels GS-4 and GS-5, meet specific specialized experience requirements or completed education above high school in a related field along with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
- Must register for Selective Service if required (males born after December 31, 1959)
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment
Required documents
- Resume (including the standard Clinical Resume Document uploaded into the restricted resume field and full CV in the other document upload field if desired)
- Transcript (if using education to qualify)
- Cover Letter
- DD-214 or Statement of Service
- VA Disability Letter
- License
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action
- Other supporting documents as applicable
When to apply
- Date posted: August 27, 2026
- Application deadline: September 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account
- Review the job announcement and download the standard Clinical Resume Document
- Complete the full online occupational questionnaire
- Upload your resume and all required supporting documentation
- Submit your application package by the closing date of September 4, 2026
Additional information
- Selected applicants are subject to a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment
- As a condition of employment, selectees are required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
- The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5, with actual selection ranging from GS-3 to GS-5
- Physical requirements include heavy lifting and carrying (45 lbs and over), straight pulling and pushing up to 8 hours, walking and standing up to 8 hours, and repeated bending
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Nursing assistants with experience in acute or progressive care settings.
- Candidates comfortable with rotating shifts, specifically those available for night shift coverage.
- Individuals looking for a stable federal role with significant leave benefits and retirement matching.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires heavy lifting, standing, and walking for up to 8 hours per shift.
- Employment is conditional upon passing a urinalysis drug screening and participating in the influenza vaccination program.
- The role involves a 1 or 2-year trial period as a condition of employment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role serves as an excellent entry or transition point for healthcare workers seeking the stability and benefits of the Veterans Health Administration. It provides exposure to a teaching hospital environment affiliated with the University of Kentucky, which may be beneficial for those looking to build a long-term career in clinical support.
Our take
Nursing assistants who are physically capable of the demanding nature of progressive care and are comfortable with night shifts should consider this opportunity. Those unable to meet the physical requirements or vaccination mandates should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
