Practical Nurse

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval—including award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years)—is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application.

• Applicants pending 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.
• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing.
• Full‑active‑current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• LPN/LVN who has had any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in 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:
  In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade:
  • GS‑3: None beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS‑4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below:
  • Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.
  • 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.
  • 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of conditions.
• Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants—Health Technicians in relation to acceptable standards of practice.
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members concerning common disease processes, medication, and treatment regimes.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, and other supportive personnel.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and document actions taken for commonly prescribed medications.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize and respond to emergency measures when indicated.
• Recognizes and responds to equipment or supply deficiencies and reports them appropriately.
• Completed work is under general supervision of an RN or MD/DO.
• GS‑6:
• Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent.
• Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in patient care.
• Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out patient care based on patient conditions.
• Use judgment in selecting appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information.
• Ability to observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for care, including medication and equipment‑assisted care.
• In organizing and delivering care—consider emotional, socio‑economic, and age‑related factors.
• Prepares and administers prescribed…