Practical Nurse

Job Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Primary Care PACT serves veterans in an ambulatory setting at various sites of care across VA St. Louis Health System, John Cochran Campus, Jefferson Barracks – Annex Clinic of Washington Avenue, Manchester Avenue, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Franklin County, St. Charles County, St. Louis County in Missouri, St. Clair County, and Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

• 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:
  Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English per 38 U.S.C. §7402(d).
• 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 at the time the program was completed.
• Military or equivalent experience:
  Health care education in the military service or training accepted by the licensing body will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employees converted under 38 U.S.C. §7401(3) or §7405 are also eligible.
• Licensure:
  Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth.
• Grade Determinations:
  Each grade requires additional qualifications as follows – GS‑03:
  None beyond the basic requirements; GS‑04:
  Six months of qualifying experience or graduate school plus specified experience; GS‑05:
  Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent; GS‑06:
  Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent.
• Competency:
  
  Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care, work with RN and MD/DO to train less experienced staff, educate patients and families, maintain customer service standards, and respond appropriately to emergency situations.

• Perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving veterans.
• Operate within the LPN scope of practice under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee.
• Accountable for all patient care provided, observing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient's condition.
• Assist in the development and revision of patient‑driven holistic life care plans.
• Initiate appropriate actions based on treatment plans under supervision of the RN Care Manager.
• Collaborate and communicate with the patient care team, including RN Care Manager, NA, and MSA, and expanded team.
• Provide patient and family health education focused on self‑management, prevention, and wellness.
• Maintain accurate documentation of medication administration, patient responses, and any deviations from normal conditions.
• Respond to emergency situations promptly, seeking assistance of RN or MD/DO and initiating appropriate interventions.