Career Center

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.). Education. Candidate must be a graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time you completed the program. Note: You must submit a copy of your transcripts showing degree/program and conferred date. Exceptions include: (1) Health care education in the military service or training in the military service that is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure meets the education requirements. (2) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure: Eligible candidate must possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a LPN/LVN in a US State, Commonwealth, Territory, or the District of Columbia. Note: You must provide a copy of your current, valid, and unrestricted LPN License. Language Proficiency: Eligible candidates must be proficient in English (spoken and written). Grade Determinations: GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-4: Candidates may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the following criteria: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent AND Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. [Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of] patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. GS-6: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN AND Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO)] for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments. Promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reports any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure. References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13 Licensed Practical Nurse Qualification Standard. dated: April 10, 2003. 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: standing (up to 2 hours), walking (up to 6 hours), stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning; repositioning patients; assisting with transfers; pushing or lifting in excess of 45 pounds; requires visual (corrected to 20/30 or better with color discrimination) and hearing (aid permitted); arms above shoulder level ; ability to work on computers for extended periods of time ["Summary:\nThe General Medicine Service provides out-patient clinic care for Veterans with acute and chronic health conditions, with age ranges from young adult to geriatric. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/L VN GS-6 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio­economic, and age-related factors. LPN, GS03: LPN GS 3 at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration). The LPN GS 3 demonstrates patient centered physical and behavioral intervention, competencies and a collaborative approach with the Core Team (patient, Primary Care Provider, RN Care Manager, and Clerk) involved in providing care to the patient. Completed work may require routine or detailed higher-level review depending upon the complexity. LPN, GS04:\nLPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. The Licensed Practical Nurse (GS-4) performs at the advanced beginner level under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The LPN demonstrates patient centered physical and behavioral intervention, competencies and a collaborative approach with the Core Team (patient, Primary Care Provider, RN Care Manager, and Clerk) involved in providing care to the patient. Work performance is periodically reviewed by the RN for the purposes of competency validation. LPN, GS05:\nApplicants must demonstrate the ability to carry out the most complex practical nursing assignments, including assignments for selected acute care, long-term, ambulatory care, or psychiatric patients requiring preventive, health promotion or interventional therapies. The GS - 5 LPN/LVN demonstrates their participation as a member of a health care team with these selected patients and providing care to them on a regular or recurring basis; completing assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities at the GS-5 level, requiring work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of nursing problems. The Licensed Practical Nurse GS-5 is able to perform a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Uses judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information. This individual performs at the competent level and requires moderate supervision. The LPN GS -5 works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs) /Health Technicians (HTs). LPN, GS06:\nThe Licensed Practical Nurse GS-6 assigned to the General Medicine Service exhibits knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to carry out the most complex practical nursing assignments, including assignments for selected acute care, long-­term, ambulatory care, or psychiatric patients requiring skilled nursing care; demonstrate their participation as a member of a health care team with these selected patients and providing care to them on a regular and recurring basis; completing assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities at the GS-6 level, requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of nursing problems. The Licensed Practical Nurse GS-6 is fully proficient and meets all performance requirements for the LPN/L VN GS-5. The LPN/L VN GS-6 demonstrates technical proficiency in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to patient populations at all complexity levels and care settings. Uses judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information. This individual requires minimal supervision. The LPN GS -6 works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/L VNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs) /Health Technicians (HTs). Work Schedule: M-F: 8 hours shifts-actual TOD will be determined by management after selection.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Licensed Practical Nurse, GS-0620-3/4/5/6; 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Stacy.Hermann@va.gov or Taia.Henderson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinators for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]