Licensed Practical Nurse - Lab

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse - Lab provides care and counseling of patients and promotes maintenance of healthy living in the prevention of illness, injury, and chronic disease by using the nursing process including systematic data collecting, monitoring, nursing judgment and evaluation of human response to actual or potential health problems. This position performs a wide variety of laboratory and equipment tests.

• 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
• Education – see Education Section of the announcement for details
• Licensure – active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
• Grade Determinations – requirements vary by grade (GS‑03 to GS‑06). For example: GS‑03 requires no additional qualifications; GS‑04 requires six months of qualifying experience or a one‑year nursing experience; GS‑05 requires completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level; GS‑06 requires one additional year of qualifying experience, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care, to administer medication, to educate patients and families, and to act as a responsible member of the nursing team.
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergencies, to perform diagnostic support duties, and to serve as a preceptor for less experienced staff.

• Maintain clinic flow by completing intake, recording vital signs, and collaborating with all disciplines and levels of care regarding patient needs.
• Assist with delegated minor procedures and treatments, ensuring patient comfort and privacy.
• Provide patient and family health education or instruction, including self‑management, prevention, and wellness.
• Collect blood, urine, and other specimens in a courteous manner for laboratory and technical equipment tests, including timed, fasting, and drug level specimens.
• Adhere to safety, infection control, and universal precautions while collecting and processing specimens.
• Instruct patients on procedures to be followed prior, during, and after tests.
• Evaluate requested tests/procedures for suitability of specimens, request or recollect new specimens when unsatisfactory.
• Receive and accession laboratory and technical equipment testing requests, verifying accuracy and completeness.
• Control laboratory and technical equipment supply inventory.
• Recognize emergency situations and take necessary action.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30‑16:00.
• Recruitment Incentive – not authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station – not authorized.
• Pay:
  Competitive salary, with higher step rate possible for unique qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual.
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Child‑Care Subsidy:
  Up to 25% of eligible childcare costs for families below $144,000 income, up to a monthly maximum.
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(K) with up to 5% contributions.
• Insurance: VA Health/Vision/Dental/Term Life/Long‑term care (many programs carried into retirement).
• Telework:
  Not available. Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Pre‑employment examination or evaluation will be required.