Nursing Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
Nursing Assistant jobs in District of Columbia are in strong demand, concentrated in the city's dense network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and federally affiliated health centers. Most openings cluster in Washington DC proper, where anchor employers like MedStar Health, George Washington University Hospital, and Howard University Hospital maintain consistent hiring at entry, experienced, and specialized levels. The most sought-after specialties include memory care, post-acute rehabilitation, and geriatric support. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Assistant Director of Nursing is a member of MedStar Health entity-based Division of Nursing and leadership team. Supports and collaborates with the Director of Nursing in providing leadership and oversight for a specific unit/department. Directs and coordinates the nursing and patient care delivery of the unit-based professional and support personnel. Ensures the provision of holistic culturally competent and person-centered quality safe and cost-effective evidence-based nursing care for patients/families. Applies the nursing process within the context of the organization's shared/collaborative decision-making framework. Collaboratively manages the patient's transitions across the continuum of care to assist patients and populations in achieving or maintaining an optimal level of health and funThe Assistant Director of Nursing assumes administrative and leadership authority and responsibility on a 24 hours/7 days per week basis for the assigned unit/department. Fosters associates' commitment to improving quality safety and cost-conscious patient care outcomes. Collaborates with the Director of Nursing in maintaining adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards and MedStar Health's policies and procedures. Demonstrates leadership and behaviors which are consistent with MedStar's mission vision goals SPIRIT Values patient care philosophy and sound moral and ethical judgement.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- In collaboration with the Director of Nursing develops unit/department goals objectives policies and procedures and ensures compliance with hospital/entity policies and procedures clinical practice guidelines and regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Develops and maintains effective relationships and partnerships across disciplines (e.g. medicine) and departments (e.g. environmental services) to ensure the delivery of efficient and quality patient care services. Contributes to the hospital/entity capacity management efforts; ensures unit activities and patient throughput proceed smoothly.
- In collaboration with the Director of Nursing develops standards of performance for associates evaluates performance and conducts performance management planning. Initiates or makes recommendations for personnel actions. Sets clear expectations for performance and holds associates accountable. Maintains ongoing communication with associates to review programs discuss new developments and exchange information.
- Completes annual performance reviews of unit/department-based associates in a timely manner. Ensures the reviews reflect the individual associate's ability to meet performance expectations and beneficial ongoing developmental goals. Provides associates with ongoing feedback and champions their continued professional growth and development.
- In the absence of the Director of Nursing maintains communication with the Senior Director of Nursing and Patient Care Services unit-based associates Medical Director providers other nurse leaders and personnel from other departments for the purpose of coordinating operations among the unit/department clinical nursing division and hospital/entity.
- Contributes to the development implementation monitoring and management of the unit/department-based budget and to support the organizational objectives patient care standards and quality of care. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility with day-to-day unit productivity and operations. Ensures availability of necessary materials supplies and equipment for safe and optimal patient care delivery.
- Implements approaches and strategies that optimize patient care delivery and outcomes. Ensures effective utilization of the interdisciplinary model of care (IMOC) and associated standards of excellence. Rounds on patients during the shift for the purpose of engagement satisfaction and improvement in the care experience. Investigates and follows through on patient complaints and safety events.
- Supports and promotes quality and patient safety initiatives and high reliability standards. Leads unit-based safety huddles. Escalates care delivery concerns to the Director of Nursing and other leaders as necessary and following the chain-of-command. Takes action to ensure optimal execution of the National Patient Safety Goals nursing sensitive indicators/measures regulatory requirements and other identified quality metrics. Identifies and participates in performance improvement opportunities as appropriate and based on findings.
- Collaborates with the Director of Nursing in the hiring evaluation promotion and termination of personnel within the assigned unit/department as needed. Initiates coaching and counseling of associates. Monitors and ensures appropriate staffing for unit(s).
- Collaborates with other nurse leaders (Directors of Nursing Directors of Clinical Nursing Informatics Practice Innovation Professional Development and others) to ensure associate competencies. Identifies individual staff development needs and provides appropriate resources to meet needs.
- Assists with developing unit-specific orientation of newly hired associates and preceptor and charge/resource nurse programs. Plans and coordinates the assessment of unit-specific competencies for all nursing personnel within the unit/department. Supports the implementation of new programs/practices and helps design educational programs that ensure the highest quality care delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Maintains continuing education files competency assessment documentation licensure and specialty certifications for self and the associates within the unit/department.
- Maintains and demonstrates a professional patient-first atmosphere and an environment of coaching and development that supports shared decision making interdisciplinary collaboration and a high level of patient and associate satisfaction as evidenced by outcomes data. Provides shift-based clinical leadership through role modeling professional practice behaviors proper delegation of activities and management of the nursing team by maintaining staff accountability. Evaluates the need for and contributes to improvement in the professional practice environment.
- Participates in hospital/entity committees task forces interdisciplinary forums and projects (e.g. serious safety event reviews and performance improvement teams) at the request of Director of Nursing. Contributes to the achievement of Magnet Recognition or Pathways to Excellence program. Promotes a public image of professional nursing excellence and represents the hospital in community outreach efforts as appropriate.
- Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the fields of nursing and health care through a variety of professional activities including but not limited to reading the appropriate literature attending related seminars and conferences and maintaining membership in professional nursing associations. Demonstrates accountability for own professional development and advancement.
- Assumes administrative responsibilities in absence of the Director of Nursing and provides coverage for other colleagues.
- Maintains clinical knowledge and skills and engages in the provision of direct care for a caseload of patients as required.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited program required
- Master's degree in Nursing or a health related field from a nationally accredited program preferred
- 1-2 years 2 years of progressive nursing care experience required
- Leadership and management experience preferred
- RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the District of Columbia required
- Specialty certification from a nationally recognized nursing organization in either a clinical specialty or Nursing Administration preferred
- CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
- Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
- C-EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring from the National Certification Corporation (NCC) is required for Perinatal nurses (labor and delivery antepartum antenatal testing) within 12 months from date of hire. New graduate nurses or new to specialty nurses (labor and delivery antepartum antenatal testing) will have 15 months from date of hire to obtain the EFM certification.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to exercise independent judgment on complex situations. Verbal and written communication skills. Basic knowledge of various computer software applications and online learning applications especially Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
See All 8 Nursing Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Nursing Assistant JobsNursing Assistant Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nursing Assistant Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
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Top Industries Hiring
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What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nursing assistant jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active Nursing Assistant registration with the DC Healthcare Alliance or equivalent DC registry
- Completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program meeting DC requirements
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification from an accredited provider
- Ability to pass a criminal background check as required by DC health regulations
- Demonstrated experience with activities of daily living and patient mobility assistance
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and care team coordination
Nursing Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nursing assistant in District of Columbia?
To become a nursing assistant in DC, you must complete a DC-approved nursing assistant training program and pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which includes a written exam and a skills demonstration. After passing, you are listed on the DC Nurse Aide Registry administered through the DC Health Occupations Licensing Administration. Most programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some long-term care facilities in the District.
Which companies hire nursing assistants in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring nursing assistants in District of Columbia right now include MedStar Health, Meridian Senior Living, and Maple Heights Senior Living, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. DC's concentration of large academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs facilities, and federally connected health systems means consistent openings across inpatient, rehabilitation, and long-term care settings throughout the city.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most nursing assistant jobs?
The cities with the most nursing assistant openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Demand is driven by Washington DC's dense concentration of hospital campuses, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities, with additional volume coming from health systems that operate satellite clinics and post-acute care units across all eight wards of the District.
Are there remote nursing assistant jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're rare. Nursing assistant work is fundamentally hands-on and requires in-person patient care, so remote roles make up a small share of the market. About 0% of nursing assistant openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those typically involve care coordination, remote patient monitoring support, or administrative functions tied to the role.
How can I get hired as a nursing assistant in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is enrolling in a DC-approved nursing assistant training program, several of which are offered at no cost through DC long-term care facilities willing to hire graduates directly. MedStar Health and the DC VA Medical Center have run nurse aide development pipelines for candidates with limited clinical backgrounds. Candidates coming from home health aide, patient care technician, or medical assistant roles often transition successfully, and holding an active DC Nurse Aide Registry listing gives any application a concrete advantage over unlisted candidates.
Where can I find and apply to nursing assistant jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to nursing assistant jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current DC openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your credentials and preferred setting, and apply directly to the employers posting them. No signup is required to view or apply to listings.
See All 8 Nursing Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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