Practical Nurse

Overview

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS-6 is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LPN also performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran.

• United States citizenship (non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy).
• 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the NLNAC, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC website.
• Licensure:
  Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (including Puerto Rico) or District of Columbia.
• LPN/LVN who has had any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed on probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, sectionB, paragraph
  16 of this part.
• English language proficiency:
  Spoken and written English proficiency is required for direct patient care positions.
• Grandfathering provision may apply for current VHA employees who meet the criteria described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation.

• GS‑3 – No additional requirements 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). Work may be subject to routine or detailed higher‑level review depending on the complexity of the duties involved.
• GS‑4 – May be appointed or advanced to GS‑4 if any of the following are met:
  • Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or
  • Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph4 of SectionC) and one year of experience involving nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient‑care facility that provides practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; or
  • Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
  LPNs at the GS‑4 grade level perform all duties expected of GS‑3 employees, but are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques.
• GS‑5 – Requires completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent, with demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. LPNs at this level work with RN and/or MD/DO to orient and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs), provide patient and family education, serve as a responsible member of the nursing team, prepare, administer, and document medication actions, observe and document patient responses, and assist in emergency and resuscitation procedures as needed.