Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse- Specialty Clinics

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Specialty Clinics will provide safe, routine care to Veterans at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS, within both inpatient and outpatient units. The primary responsibility of the LPN is to provide quality care for the Veteran while delivering exceptional customer service.

• 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:
  Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d) and § 7407(d).
• 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.
• Exceptions include (1) Military health education or training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed, and (2) VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) or § 7405 in accordance with Public Law 98‑160 and 99‑576.
• Licensure:
  Current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• KSAs:
  Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical and/or behavioral problems; ability to train less experienced LPNs/LMs and staff; competence in medication administration, emergency procedures, equipment handling, documentation, and customer‑service standards.
• Experience:
  
  • GS‑03 – none beyond basic requirements.
  • GS‑04 – at least six months of qualifying experience or one year of experience with approved programs.
  • GS‑05 – at least one year of qualifying experience and demonstrated KSAs.
  • GS‑06 – at least one year of qualifying experience at GS‑05 level and full performance KSAs.

• Provide safe and routine care to Veterans in both inpatient and outpatient units.
• Assist in developing and implementing individual patient care plans.
• Administer prescribed therapies and medications in accordance with medical center policies.
• Document patient data, medication responses, and any changes in condition.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations, including cardiac and pulmonary arrest.
• Participate in surveillance for abuse/neglect and adhere to reporting processes.
• Educate patients and families about health conditions, medications, and self‑care.
• Collaborate with RN, MD/DO, and the specialty team to optimize patient outcomes.
• Maintain a therapeutic environment and manage behavioral health patients as directed.
• Perform basic nursing tasks such as phlebotomy, bladder scanning, and medication reconciliation.
• Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and dignity toward patients, families, and internal/external customers.
• Apply VA core values and interpersonal skills to meet individual patient needs and uphold high standards of care.

• Work schedule subject to the 24/7 needs of the hospital; typical hours Monday–Friday 8:00 am–4:30 pm.
• Competitive salary with potential step increases based on qualifications.
• Paid time off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
• Parental leave: up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment.
• Childcare subsidy: up to 25% of eligible costs for full‑time employees with family income below $144,000.
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Medicare, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance; VA health benefits extend into retirement.
• Telework not available; virtual work not an option.