Licensed Practical Nurse - Specialty Care

Summary

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. Program approval determines award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after a complete review of the EDRP application.

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:

• 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 practical or vocational nursing school 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.
• 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 or Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.
• An LPN with any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with provisions in Chapter 3, Section B, Paragraph 16 of this part.
• 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 Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees who meet the criteria.
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the Basic Requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade.
  • GS‑3:
    None beyond basic requirements. LPNs perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration).
  • GS‑4:
    May be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if any of the following criteria are met:
    • Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.
    • Graduation from an approved school and one year of nursing care experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical facility.
    • Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
    LPNs at GS‑4 perform all duties of GS‑3, exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and operate per established policies.
  • GS‑5:
    At least one year of qualifying experience at GS‑4 level or equivalent, demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide full practical nursing care, work with RN/MD/DO to train less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NA/HTs, provide patient education, administer and document medication, recognize emergency needs, and meet supervisory expectations.
  • GS‑6:
    At least one year of additional qualifying experience at GS‑5 level or equivalent, proficient in initiating and completing patient care for variable populations, use judgment in procedure ordering, maintain accurate records, preserve safety, and respond to urgent care situations as directed.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Two years of recent outpatient clinic experience and five years total nursing experience.
• Reference: For more information on qualification standards, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is GS‑3 to GS‑4.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Includes direct patient care, long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, and kneeling. Example duties may involve significant standing assistance, safe patient handling, and mobility protocols.

• Full‑time Licensed Practical Nurse at the Marion VA Health Care System, stationed at the VA Healthcare Center in Evansville, IN.
• Assigned to the Specialty team, administering nursing care to adult and geriatric patients.
• Accountable to the Nurse Manager; must function independently and be self‑motivated.
• Ensure the highest possible quality of care and a safe therapeutic environment.
• Administer care in accordance with established…