Licensed Practical Nurse

Summary

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) GS-6 is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran. Performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee. Assigned tasks require advanced technical competence and skill.

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
• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) – no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• 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 by the applicant
• Exceptions include 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN
• Licensure – Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia
• 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 stated above – the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade
• The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade
• GS-03:
  None beyond the basic requirements
• LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration)
• GS-04:
  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, or graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section
  
  C) 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 that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• GS-05:
  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 physical and/or behavioral problems; works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery;
  
  provides effective education to patients and/or family members; demonstrates ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact appropriately with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel; knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and…