Licensed Practical Nurse

Summary
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions as a key member of the Primary Care team - delivering high-quality - evidence-based nursing care to Veterans with diverse physical and behavioral health needs. Operating at the full performance level (GS-6) - the LPN collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to support veteran-centered care - health promotion - and chronic disease management.

Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.) Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed
• Exceptions include: Military training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction of licensure
• Certain VHA employees converted under Public Law or 99-576
• Individuals licensed in jurisdictions that do not require graduation from an approved school (see waiver criteria)
• Licensure: Must possess a full - active - current - and unrestricted license as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State - Territory - Commonwealth (e.g. - Puerto Rico) - or the District of Columbia
• Physical Standards: Must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d)
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: GS-3 (Entry Level): No additional experience or education beyond the basic requirements
• Performs duties under close supervision
• work may require routine or detailed review
• GS-4: Must meet one of the following: Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN
• OR Graduation from an approved school and one (1) year of experience in nursing care work in a medical setting
• OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• LPNs at this level perform all duties expected at GS-3 with greater independence and judgment
• GS-5: Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: Provide full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical/behavioral problems
• Educate patients/families on disease processes - medications - and treatments
• Serve as a responsible member of the nursing team
• Prepare - administer - and document medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - IM - IV)
• Recognize and respond to emergencies
• assist in resuscitation
• Identify and report equipment/supply issues
• Work under general supervision with broad knowledge of nursing procedures
• GS-6: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: Technically proficient in providing care to diverse patient populations
• Use judgment in selecting procedures and treatments
• Observe and respond to patient needs (medication - equipment - education)
• Administer medications and treatments
• document and report changes
• Recognize urgent/emergent situations and initiate interventions
• Understand human behavior and patient motivations
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients/families
• Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests/procedures
• Serve as a preceptor for less experienced staff
• Actively seek educational opportunities and share knowledge
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical Care: Administers medications and treatments (oral - topical - IM - subcutaneous - IV) per policy
• Observes and reports changes in patient condition to RN or provider
• Performs procedures such as EKGs - glucometer testing - oxygen therapy - and specimen collection
• Assists with minor procedures and ensures patient safety and comfort
• Provides patient and family education on wellness - prevention - and self-management
• Team Collaboration: Works closely with RN Care Managers - Clinical Pharmacy Specialists - and PACT teams
• Supports access to care initiatives and assists in treatment planning
• Serves as a preceptor for onboarding and training of less experienced staff
• Administrative Support: Manages provider schedules and coordinates appointments
• Supports communication with veterans and families
• Assists with encounter documentation and clinic rescheduling
• Customer Service: Greets and assists veterans - triages walk-ins - and provides non-medical benefit information
• Responds to urgent needs and escalates serious complaints or symptoms appropriately
• Scope of Practice: The LPN provides care under the general supervision of an RN or licensed independent practitioner
• Responsibilities include technical nursing tasks - patient education - and administrative support
• The role requires knowledge of age-specific care - safe medication administration - and emergency response protocols
• Staffing and Work Environment: Works within the Primary Care Service Line
• May serve multiple PACT teams as needed
• Physical demands include standing - walking - lifting - and bending
• Must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Uses personal protective equipment and follows infection control protocols
• Additional Requirements: Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA and VA data security policies
• Demonstrates cultural competence and sensitivity to age-related care needs
• Actively participates in continuing education and shares knowledge with peers
• Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday - Friday Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $ may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 60521F F F F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized