Practical Nurse

Overview

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - 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 review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Licensure
• Full - active - current - and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e.
  
  - Puerto Rico) of the United States - or District of Columbia
• An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had - any license(s) revoked - suspended - denied - restricted - limited - or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3 - section B - paragraph 16 of this part
• Certification
• Maintains current BLS certification
• Education
• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the NLNAC at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment
• Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
• 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 LEVEL:
  None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-4 LEVEL:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; graduation from an approved school and one year of nursing care experience; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• GS-5 LEVEL:
  Completion of 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
• GS-6 LEVEL:
  Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level; technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties; knowledge and ability to carry out patient care based on conditions; prepares and administers prescribed medications; recognizes urgent or emergent situations and initiates interventions; serves as a preceptor; actively seeks educational opportunities

• Provide patient care and assistance for complex, specialized patients in the clinic setting, including basic tasks such as personal hygiene, positioning, elimination, and socialization during direct patient care
• Initiate and collect patient data (vital signs, weights, oximetry, accuchecks, SLUMS) and specimens
• Initiate and perform specialized procedures (urinary bladder scanning, oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, ostomy care, EKG, spirometry) and manage complications
• Prepare, administer, and document medications and immunizations as directed; monitor for side effects
• Observe and document patient responses to treatments; report deviations to RN or provider
• Respond to emergencies and assist in resuscitation when indicated
• Maintain equipment, report safety hazards, and ensure a safe clinical environment
• Under general supervision of an RN or MD/DO, perform duties with broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures
• Act as a preceptor and mentor to less experienced staff; contribute to nursing education and practice improvement
• Coordinate clinic team tasks to ensure timely appointments and efficient operations
• Initiate and oversee unit maintenance duties and uphold safety standards
• Prepare instruments and supplies, manage par levels, and support clinic flow
• Other clinic duties as assigned; schedule may include Monday-Friday; telework/remote not eligible