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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Find your calling at Mercy!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists in the planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of the operations and patient care of designated areas. Serves as a clinical resource for staff and patients in the department. Functions as a staff nurse in the department as needed. Assumes managerial duties delegated by a manager. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.
POSITION DETAILS
Education:
- Graduate from an accredited Nursing program.
Licensure:
- Is personally responsible for obtaining, and maintaining, a current RN license within the hiring state and/or compact licensure in which nursing duties are performed and must meet all state board of nursing requirements.
Certification:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or successful completion of course within 30 days of hire.
One or more of the certifications below may be required based on the position/unit hired to, or acquisition of certification within department required timeframe:
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
- NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
- ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course)
- TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
- CPHON (Certified Pediatric/Hematology/Oncology Nurses)
- OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse)
- BLS (Basic Life Support)
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
- PEARS (Pediatric Assessment Recognition and Stabilization)
- S.T.A.B.L.E. (Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood Pressure, Lab Work, And Emotional Support) Six Assessment & Care Modules
- C-EFM (Fetal Monitor Certification)
- Other unit-specific certifications as required
Experience:
- 2 years' experience in patient care is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Supervisor experience is preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Physical Requirements
- Position requires the ability to push, pull, and/or lift 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
- Position requires prolonged standing and walking during each shift.
- Position requires the ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties.
WHY MERCY?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.
LOCATION
Saint Louis, Missouri
JOB TYPE
Regular
Full-time
COMPANY
Mercy Hospital St Louis
JOB ID
JR269363
INTRODUCTION
Find your calling at Mercy!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists in the planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of the operations and patient care of designated areas. Serves as a clinical resource for staff and patients in the department. Functions as a staff nurse in the department as needed. Assumes managerial duties delegated by a manager. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.
POSITION DETAILS
Education:
- Graduate from an accredited Nursing program.
Licensure:
- Is personally responsible for obtaining, and maintaining, a current RN license within the hiring state and/or compact licensure in which nursing duties are performed and must meet all state board of nursing requirements.
Certification:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or successful completion of course within 30 days of hire.
One or more of the certifications below may be required based on the position/unit hired to, or acquisition of certification within department required timeframe:
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
- NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
- ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course)
- TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
- CPHON (Certified Pediatric/Hematology/Oncology Nurses)
- OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse)
- BLS (Basic Life Support)
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
- PEARS (Pediatric Assessment Recognition and Stabilization)
- S.T.A.B.L.E. (Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood Pressure, Lab Work, And Emotional Support) Six Assessment & Care Modules
- C-EFM (Fetal Monitor Certification)
- Other unit-specific certifications as required
Experience:
- 2 years' experience in patient care is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Supervisor experience is preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Physical Requirements
- Position requires the ability to push, pull, and/or lift 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
- Position requires prolonged standing and walking during each shift.
- Position requires the ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties.
WHY MERCY?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.
LOCATION
Saint Louis, Missouri
JOB TYPE
Regular
Full-time
COMPANY
Mercy Hospital St Louis
JOB ID
JR269363
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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.