Practical Nurse; Community Living Center

Summary

Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. Individuals must meet VHA policy eligibility requirements and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amounts (up to $200,000) and eligibility periods (one to five years) are determined after review of the application.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may be appointed only when the recruitment of qualified citizens is not possible.
• Education:
  
  Graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing school as recognized by the appropriate State agency or accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLNAC).
• Licensure:
  Full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. §7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Qualification based on the Grandfathering Provision is applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria.
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met at each grade level.
• GS-3 – No additional requirements beyond those listed above.
• GS-4 – Employees may be appointed or advanced if they meet any of the following:
  • 1. Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.
  • 2. Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived per policy) plus one year of experience in nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical or patient care facility.
  • 3. Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• GS-5 – The following requirements apply:
  • 1. Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent.
  • 2. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems.
  • 3. Collaboration with RN/MD/DO and training of less experienced LPNs/LVNs and Nursing Assistants or Health Technicians.
  • 4. Ability to document medication administration and report changes in patient condition.
  • 5. Ability to recognize and initiate emergency measures as appropriate.
  • 6. Recognition of equipment or supply deficiencies and timely reporting to correct personnel.
  • 7. Work under general supervision of RN or MD/DO.
• GS-6 – The following requirements apply:
  • 1. Completion of at least one additional qualifying experience year at the GS‑5 level or equivalent.
  • 2. Technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned patient care duties.
  • 3. Knowledge and ability to carry out patient care based on conditions and use judgment in order and sequence of procedures.
  • 4. Observation and response to patient needs, including medication, equipment, and education.
  • 5. Preparation and administration of prescribed medications according to policies.
  • 6. Recognition of urgent or emergent situations and initiation of appropriate interventions.
  • 7. Understanding of human behavior and use of this knowledge in effective patient interactions.
  • 8. Establishment of constructive relationships with patients and families.
  • 9. Skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures.
  • 10. Active pursuit of educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and share new knowledge with staff.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6.
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy ranges from GS‑3 to GS‑6.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 and local LPN/LVN physical standard.

• VA Careers – Licensed Practical Nurse for the Community Living Center.
• Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties for variable patient populations.
• Ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patient conditions.
• Use of judgment in selecting appropriate procedures and treatments.
• Accurate…