Licensed Vocational Nurse - Education Debt Reduction Program

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amount (up to $200 000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the application.

• 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 (LPN/LVN) must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)–7407(d).
• Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as an LPN/LVN in a U.S. state, territory, or Commonwealth (or District of Columbia).
• Adherence to required physical standards (see VA Directive and Handbook 5019).
• Education:
  
  graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time of completion.
• Exceptions may include:
  1) health‑care education in the military service accepted by the licensing body;
  2) VHA employees converted under applicable public laws;
  3) individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.
• Grade determinations:
  • GS‑3: none beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS‑4: (a) six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN; (b) graduation from an approved school plus one year of experience in a nursing care setting; or (c) graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
  • GS‑5: (a) at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent; (b) demonstrated ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical or behavioral problems.
  • GS‑6: (a) at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent; (b) technical proficiency in care delivery; (c) ability to carry out patient care appropriately based on conditions; (d) knowledge to respond to patient needs, including medication and equipment‑assisted care; (e) provision of medication administration and treatment; (f) recognition of urgent or emergent situations; (g) understanding of human behavior and patient motivations;
    
    (h) ability to establish constructive relationships with patients and families; (i) support duties for diagnostic tests; (j) act as preceptor; (k) pursue ongoing education.
• Preferred experience:
  
  at least one year as an LVN in a primary care or ambulatory care setting.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑06; actual grade may range from GS‑03 to GS‑06.

• Provide direct patient care in a manner that promotes quality healthcare, outstanding customer service, and a veteran‑centered environment.
• Perform under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee.
• Maintain technical competence in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties for diverse patient populations.
• Use clinical judgment in selecting appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Accurately document and report patient information and any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.
• Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs, including medication and equipment‑assisted care and patient/family education.
• Acknowledge emotional, socioeconomic, and age‑related factors when organizing and delivering care.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous) following established policies and procedures.
• Recognize urgent or emergent situations and initiate appropriate emergency interventions while seeking assistance from RN or MD/DO.
• Provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients, including complex treatments, under remote RN supervision.
• Prioritize care delivery based on individual patient needs and overall unit requirements.
• Adapt nursing care to meet changing patient needs.
• Actively pursue educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, 0745 AM–1630 PM.
• Compensation: competitive salary with regular increases; paid time off 37–50 days per year (13–26 days leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays); potential credit toward annual leave based on prior work or military service.
• Parental leave: after 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks paid.
• Child‑care subsidy: after 60 days — eligible employees below $144 000 may receive up to 25 % of childcare costs.
• Retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5 % employer match through VA Insurance.