Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Akicita Federal is hiring for our nursing and allied health services contract at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland — America’s research hospital (200 inpatient beds, 3 day hospitals, 13 outpatient clinics). Clinical Center clinicians practice clinical research care: complex, comprehensive care for patients participating in NIH research protocols, in a Magnet-recognized organization dedicated to “Ensuring Excellence in Research Care.”

Certified Nurse Assistants support direct patient care across Clinical Center inpatient units and day hospitals. Current assignments include the Workforce Safety program's Behavioral Emergency Response Team (Code BERT).

Current NIH openings (Workforce Safety/BERT) have required 2-3 years of behavioral health and acute care hospital experience; selected candidates receive Patient Care Technician competency and Crisis Prevention training. Evening (3p-11:30p) and night (11p-7:30a) lines with weekend/holiday rotation.

What you will do:

- Deliver safe, protocol-informed care and maintain the integrity of research procedures and the accuracy of research data collection

- Document assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic health record

- Assist patients with activities of daily living, mobility, and comfort

- Obtain and record vital signs, intake/output, and report changes to the RN

- Respond with the Code BERT team to patients experiencing behavioral escalation requiring additional staff support (BERT assignments)

- Collaborate with NIH investigators, fellows, and the interdisciplinary care team

- Support informed consent and educate patients and families participating in research protocols

$23 - $25 an hour

Minimum qualifications (per the contract Performance Work Statement):

- Education: Completion of a course of education leading to, and possession of, certification as a nurse assistant.

- Certification: Current BLS (American Heart Association and/or Red Cross approved program).

- Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience.

- Licensure: Valid license in at least one (1) state, territory, or commonwealth of the U.S.

Assignment: Contract assignment at the NIH Clinical Center (9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD). Assignment lengths vary by position — commonly 13-week contracts, with some roles approved for 52 weeks — with potential extension based on contract need. Schedules vary by unit and may include weekends and federal holidays; your recruiter will confirm the current length, schedule, and compensation for this position.

Federal contract conditions of employment (per the contract Performance Work Statement):

- Only U.S. citizens and Green Card holders may perform services under this contract

- Federal background investigation required: fingerprinting and Standard Form 85/85-P (National Agency Check); NIH security in-processing and photo ID badge

- Health and immunization clearance before start and annually thereafter: proof of MMR and varicella immunity, hepatitis B vaccination (or signed declination), annual influenza vaccination, TB screening (TST/IGRA), Tdap encouraged, and N95 respirator fit testing

- Required NIH trainings: information security awareness before start; HIPAA privacy and security training within 30 days; annual refreshers

- Licenses and certifications must remain current, active, valid, and unrestricted at all times while performing services

- Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively and basic computer literacy are required for all positions

- The NIH campus is tobacco-free

Akicita Cyber LLC (dba Akicita Federal) is an Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) and SBA 8(a) federal contractor. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We participate in E-Verify. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our recruiting team.