Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Amarillo VA Health Care System
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Schedule: Full-time, rotating shifts including weekends and holidays
Appointment Type: Permanent
Salary Range: $40,107 to $58,589 per year
Pay Grade: GS 3 to GS 5
Application Window: February 20, 2026, to February 19, 2027
First Cut Off Date: March 1, 2026
Travel Requirement: None
Security Clearance: Other
Drug Testing: Required
Service Type: Exceptional Service
About the Amarillo VA Health Care System
The Amarillo VA Health Care System, part of the Veterans Health Administration, delivers comprehensive medical services to Veterans across the region. The facility remains committed to clinical excellence, patient dignity, and compassionate care. In alignment with federal standards, it supports a workforce dedicated to advancing public service while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
Related: Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs Opening at Smithsonian – Salary $143K to $187K
Position Summary
The Nursing Assistant serves as an integral member of the nursing care team and supports licensed nursing professionals in delivering patient-centered care. This role involves assisting Veterans who receive preventive, acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice services.
The incumbent contributes directly to patient well-being by observing, documenting, and responding to changes in condition while maintaining compliance with established clinical protocols.
Core Responsibilities
Direct Patient Care
The Nursing Assistant provides hands-on care to Veterans with complex health conditions. Duties include monitoring glucose levels, performing tracheostomy care, assisting with catheterization and colostomy care, supporting skin care, applying braces and prosthetic devices, and monitoring intake and output.
Additionally, the incumbent recognizes subtle changes in behavior, mood, appetite, and physical condition and promptly reports findings to the appropriate clinical staff.
Clinical Documentation and Communication
The role requires accurate documentation of patient care activities, observations, and responses in designated medical records. The Nursing Assistant communicates relevant information during treatment planning meetings and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to ensure continuity of care.
Safety and Infection Control
The incumbent maintains a clean and secure patient environment. Responsibilities include identifying hazards, removing defective equipment, following infection control procedures, and applying proper aseptic techniques. The Nursing Assistant also serves as the unit liaison for safe patient handling.
Patient Support and Engagement
The position supports patient independence and autonomy through respectful interaction and structured group activities aligned with individualized care plans. Furthermore, the Nursing Assistant assists in behavior management and initiates basic life support when necessary.
Team Leadership Support
At higher performance levels, the incumbent mentors new Nursing Assistants, supports orientation activities, and contributes to unit-based council initiatives.
Work Schedule
Shifts rotate between:
- 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Weekend and holiday coverage is required.
Compensation and Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a competitive federal salary with structured step increases. In certain circumstances, compensation above the minimum grade may be considered based on qualifications or agency needs.
Benefits include:
- 37 to 50 days of annual paid leave, which combines annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
- Child care subsidy eligibility for qualifying employees
- Federal retirement pension after five years of service
- Thrift Savings Plan with agency contributions up to 5 percent
- Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance options
Relocation assistance and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Related: Shape the Future of Veteran Neurology – Chief Role with $280K–$350K Pay
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- United States citizenship
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Successful completion of a background investigation
- Participation in pre-employment drug screening
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
- Registration with the Selective Service, if applicable
Selected candidates must complete an online onboarding process and serve a one or two-year trial period, during which continued employment depends on performance and alignment with public service goals.
Qualification Criteria
Applicants may qualify through a combination of education, training, or experience.
Basic Entry Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate either:
- Six months of general experience relevant to nursing assistance,
- One year of education above high school related to health care, or
- Completion of a specialized nursing assistant training program.
Grade Specific Requirements
GS 3
Entry-level candidates who meet basic requirements qualify at this grade.
GS 4
Candidates must demonstrate either 1 year of specialized nursing assistant experience or 2 years of post-secondary education in a related field. They must also show the ability to provide patient care, observe physical and emotional conditions, operate diagnostic equipment, and communicate effectively with patients and clinical staff.
GS 5
Candidates must possess 1 year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 or hold a bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework. At this level, the Nursing Assistant supports a full range of patient care services, assists in urgent clinical situations, and may guide new team members.
The full performance level for this position is GS 5.
Preferred Qualifications
Although not mandatory, the following qualifications strengthen a candidate’s application:
- Nursing Assistant certification
- Six months to one year of direct patient care experience
- Experience in long-term care, rehabilitation, hospice, or dementia services
- Basic Life Support certification
Education Verification
All education must originate from institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education. Applicants using foreign education must provide a certificate of equivalency. Accreditation documentation is required if the institution has changed its status or name.
Related: Supervisory Program Analyst at Veterans Crisis Line – Remote GS-13, $106K-$173K
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit a complete application through the official federal hiring portal before the closing date. Applications remain active throughout the announcement period; however, early submission is encouraged due to the initial cutoff date.
Applicants must carefully review the required documentation section and ensure that all transcripts, certifications, and supporting materials are included. Incomplete applications may not receive consideration.
Evaluation Process
The hiring team evaluates applicants based on the extent to which their education and experience align with the qualification standards. All submitted materials, including resumes and supporting documentation, undergo verification.
Both paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer service, receive consideration if relevant to the role.
Additional Information
This position falls within the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. The announcement may also serve to fill additional vacancies.
The Department of Veterans Affairs encourages individuals with disabilities to apply and complies with the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Criminal history inquiries occur only after a tentative job offer.
The organization values integrity, dedication to public service, and commitment to constitutional principles.