OPT Nursing Assistant Jobs
Nursing Assistant jobs on OPT are available at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies across the U.S. Most roles qualify under the CIP code for Health Sciences, supporting STEM OPT extension eligibility for graduates of accredited allied health programs. Clinical experience gained during OPT counts toward future licensure and credential requirements.
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INTRODUCTION
Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.
It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.
Benefits Eligible
Full-Time Benefit Eligible
Work Shift
Night - 12 Hour Shift (United States of America)
Department
6150 M/S Cardiac-2N
Under the direction of the registered nurse, the purpose of this position is to provide holistic care for patients and families served.
QUALIFICATIONS
License /Certification Required:
- Current CA Certified Nursing Assistant certification
- HeartSaver AED
- Kaweah Health approved crisis intervention training within 60 days of hire/transfer.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential
- Reports any variance in the patient's condition to licensed staff. Reports specific patient or family needs, concerns, and changes in activity to licensed staff.
- Refers complaints and problems to licensed staff or department manager immediately.
- Answers patient call lights within two minutes as assigned.
- Greets patient and family members in a friendly professional manner. Identifies self by name and job category. As assigned, assists patient with their needs.
- Is an active participant in achieving quality patient care.
- Maintains confidentiality with all patient care issues.
- Complies with current policies and procedures including safety and infection control. Must keep all required certifications current. Performs tasks safely.
- Assists the Nursing staff in performing tasks as delegated by the Registered Nurse.
- Provides for the toilet needs of patients by emptying bedpans and drainage container. Reports any variation in amount, color, consistency, and odor of output to the RN.
- Provides assistance with the admission, transfer, and discharge of patients.
- Orients patients to room (call light, storage of belongings, etc.).
- Assists patients with meals, snacks, and with water pitchers.
- Assists with activities of daily living: bath, ambulation, oral care, etc.
- Collects and records intake and output, weight, height, and vital signs as delegated by the Registered Nurse. Collects respiratory rate by direct observation of the patient.
- Collects, labels, and delivers specimens.
- Provides post-mortem care and assists in transporting the body to the morgue.
- Assists with emergency care by participating in crash cart checks, providing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, and responding to Code Blue.
- Handles the personal property of the patient with great care.
- Personal appearance shall reflect a well-groomed, professional appearance as outlined in HR.107, Professional Appearance Guidelines. Watches with timing capabilities, i.e. seconds hand or stopwatch, are required uniform components.
- Maintains a clean, safe, and neat patient environment.
- Documents all care provided in the EMR as soon after the care occurs as possible.
Addendum (essential for specific dept)
TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT OR SUBACUTE:
When assigned to work as a Restorative Nurse Assistant: Assists residents to achieve their highest level of physical functioning in ADL activities such as mobility training, range of motion and splinting skills. Functions under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.
PEDIATRICS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Performs Unit Secretary duties for the unit.
CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER-CVC, CVICU AND CVICCU ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR:
- May handle syringes/needles for the purpose of restocking such items in appropriately secured areas.
- May check and document medication storage temperatures in accordance with hospital policy. Reports any temperatures that are outside of the recommended storage range immediately to the Nurse Manager (or designee) for their follow-up.
- May access the medication room for the purpose of accessing needed supplies and equipment. Maintains medication room security and fully understands and complies with ensuring proper security of medications in accordance with hospital policy. Reports any concerns immediately to the Nurse Manager (or designee).
OBSTETRICS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR:
May stock IV fluids and Irrigation fluids in locked supply drawers on mother/baby unit.
CVICU ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR:
May perform phlebotomy duties if certified.
Additional
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age-specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Pay Range
$20.38 - $30.57
If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Nursing Assistant
Confirm your CIP code supports the role
Nursing Assistant positions typically fall under Health Sciences CIP codes. Before applying, verify with your DSO that your degree program's CIP code aligns with the role to avoid authorization issues during OPT or STEM extension.
Target employers with established OPT hiring
Large hospital systems and nursing home chains have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller private clinics may lack the administrative capacity to handle the paperwork, so prioritize employers with structured onboarding processes.
Get your state CNA certification before you apply
Most states require a Certified Nursing Assistant credential to work legally in the role. Completing your state's certification exam before applying removes a key hiring barrier and signals you're ready to start work immediately.
Track your OPT end date against your job search timeline
OPT authorization has a firm expiration date. Begin your job search at least three months before your EAD end date so you have time to receive offers, complete onboarding, and begin work before your authorization lapses.
Clarify your work authorization early in conversations
Nursing employers often ask about authorization during the first interview. Be prepared to explain OPT clearly, including your EAD card, authorized start and end dates, and your employer's responsibility to report your hire to your DSO.
Document clinical hours carefully for licensure pathways
Hours worked as a Nursing Assistant on OPT can count toward RN licensure requirements in many states. Keep detailed records of your hours, supervisor credentials, and facility type throughout your OPT period for future applications.
Nursing Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Nursing Assistant on OPT?
Yes, as long as your position is directly related to your field of study. Nursing Assistant roles generally qualify for Health Sciences graduates. You must have a valid EAD before starting work, and your employer must be a legitimate U.S. business. Confirm the match with your DSO before accepting any offer to protect your OPT status.
Do Nursing Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code in health or biological sciences, and the Nursing Assistant role uses those skills, you may qualify. Confirm with your DSO and ensure your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for all STEM OPT extensions.
Will Nursing Assistant employers sponsor an H-1B visa after OPT?
H-1B visa sponsorship for Nursing Assistant roles is uncommon because the position does not typically meet the specialty occupation standard requiring a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Graduates interested in long-term U.S. work authorization in healthcare should consider roles like Registered Nurse or healthcare administrator, which more commonly support H-1B petitions.
Do I need a CNA license to work as a Nursing Assistant on OPT?
In most states, yes. A Certified Nursing Assistant credential is legally required to work in licensed facilities including hospitals and nursing homes. Certification requirements vary by state but generally include a training program and a competency exam. Completing certification before your OPT period starts puts you in a much stronger position when applying.
Where can I find Nursing Assistant jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you identify Nursing Assistant openings at employers familiar with OPT, so you can focus your applications on roles where your authorization is understood and accepted from the start.