Licensed Practical Nurse

Summary

The LPN (Gastroenterology) supports GI care for Veterans. Duties increase by grade: GS-03 provides basic patient care and room setup. GS-04/GS-05 assist with GI procedures—administer medications within scope, document care, and uphold infection control. GS-06 performs advanced tasks such as focused assessments, assisting with complex endoscopic procedures, high‑level scope disinfection, and coordinating patient flow. All levels help ensure an efficient, Veteran‑focused GI clinic.

Veteran preference is waived for this vacancy due to an approved staffing shortage authority for FY26. Applicants pending 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 by the applicant. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website.
• Licensure:
  Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or District of Columbia. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in both spoken and written English. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• 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:
  • 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). Completed work may require routine or detailed higher‑level review depending on the complexity of the duties involved.
  • GS‑04:
    Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, or graduation from an approved school and one (1) year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical facility that provided practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
    
    LPNs at the GS‑4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS‑3 grade level and are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques.
  • GS‑05:
    Completion of at least one (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.
  • GS‑06:
    Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent—fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS‑5 LPN/LVN. Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Preferred Experience:
  • 1‑2 years of Licensed Practical Nurse experience in an outpatient clinical setting.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills when interacting with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Prior experience in Gastroenterology or GI‑related clinical procedures.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over)
  • Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over)
  • Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours)
  • Reaching above shoulder
  • Use of fingers
  • Both hands…