Licensed Practical Nurse- Primary Care

Summary

At the Bemidji VA Clinic you will provide hands‑on mission‑driven care that supports Veterans with diverse physical, mental, behavioral and psychological needs. In this vital role you’ll deliver skilled nursing care, help Veterans and families navigate treatment, and contribute to a compassionate and respectful environment where dignity, safety and high‑quality care guide every interaction.

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.

• United States Citizenship – Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency – No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless proficient in basic written and spoken English
• 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 by the applicant
• Licensure – Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation
• Grade Determinations – In addition to the basic requirements scheduled above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade
  • GS‑03 – None beyond the basic requirements; LPNs at this grade perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration)
  • GS‑04 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, OR graduation from an approved school and one year of experience in a supervised medical or nursing facility, OR graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
  • GS‑05 – Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent; demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care; training of less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants; education of patients and families; documentation of medication administration; emergency response; and general supervision by an RN or MD/DO
  • GS‑06 – Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent; technologic proficiency; adherence to policies/procedures; observation and documentation of patient changes; emergency interventions; patient/family education; advanced diagnostic support; preceptorship; ongoing education and knowledge sharing; and overall performance level of GS‑6 (applications may be selected from GS‑3 to GS‑6)

• As an LPN at the Bemidji VA Clinic you will play an essential role in caring for Veterans across all ages and backgrounds.
• Use your practical nursing skills to support patient needs—deliver medication and treatment education, recognize and respond to changes in condition, and build respectful relationships with Veterans and their families.
• Work closely with Registered Nurses (RNs), providers and the broader care team to contribute to a supportive, patient‑centered environment rooted in dignity, safety and exceptional service.
• Provide nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with diverse physical, mental, behavioral and psychological needs.
• Carry out patient care using judgment to determine appropriate procedures, treatments and sequencing.
• Recognize, report and document relevant patient information accurately.
• Observe, identify and respond to patient needs—including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education.
• Serve as a preceptor in collaboration with RNs/providers to orient and train less experienced staff.
• Interact professionally with patients, families and the healthcare team, incorporating established customer service standards.
• Prepare, administer and document prescribed medications and treatments per facility policies.
• Identify urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiate appropriate…