Vocational Nurse; Specialty Care Clinic

Summary

Licensed Practical Nurse in Specialty Care at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital providing progressively complex practical nursing care up to the GS‑6 full performance level. Duties include vital signs, intake histories, clinical reminders, diabetic foot exams, medication/treatment administration, patient education, emergency response, diagnostic support, customer service, and care coordination for Veterans across age groups.

• 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.
• 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 military health education or training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction where the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure.
• VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 under Public Law 98‑160 or 99‑576 are eligible under this authority.
• Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.
• Licensure:
• Full‑active‑current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a state, territory, or Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• Grade determinations (see below for each grade level).
• GS‑3:
  None beyond the basic requirements.
• GS‑4:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, or graduation from an approved school and one year of nursing care experience, or at least 24 months of approved schooling.
• GS‑5:
  Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent.
• GS‑6:
  Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent.
• In addition to experience, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge,
  
  Skills and Abilities
  
  (KSAs):
• Full range of practical nursing care for patients with physical and/or behavioral problems.
• Ability to work with the RN and/or MD/DO to orient/train less experienced staff.
• Effective patient and family education regarding disease processes, medication, and treatment regimens.
• Responsible member of the nursing team with appropriate patient, family, and professional interaction and customer‑service standards.
• Knowledge of medication administration, documentation, and reporting changes in patient condition.
• Recognition and initiation of emergency measures and timely assistance of RN or MD/DO.
• Identification and reporting of breakage, malfunction, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
• Broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures, with potential higher‑level review for complex practices.
• Technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties with variable patient populations.
• Use of judgment to select appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Accurate recognition, reporting, and recording of relevant patient information.
• Ability to observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for medication, equipment‑assisted care, and education.
• Consideration of emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio‑economic, and age‑related factors in care delivery.
• Preparation and administration of prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous) per policies.
• Observation of physical and emotional changes from medications/treatments with prompt documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of human behavior, patient motivations, and ability to utilize this knowledge effectively.
• Establishment of constructive relationships with patients and families to promote positive communication.
• Respect for patient and family rights to privacy and dignity.
• Incorporation of customer‑service standards in all interactions.
• Support for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized procedures, including patient preparation, assistance, and monitoring.
• Prec…