Intermittent Vocational Nurse (Clearlake VA Outpatient Clinic)

Veterans Health Administration • Clearlake, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Intermittent Vocational Nurse (LVN/LPN) provides patient-centered, team-based nursing care to Veterans at the Clearlake VA Outpatient Clinic. As a key member of the interdisciplinary PACT team, the nurse supports prevention, chronic disease management, health promotion, continuity of care, timely access, effective communication, and population health management.

The role involves providing practical nursing care and supporting clinic operations under applicable VA policies, procedures, and scope of practice. The position is intermittent with a varied schedule, is not telework or virtual, and may be filled at GS-03 through GS-06. The full performance level is GS-06. Work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO where specified by grade-level criteria.

The job requires an active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license, qualifying nursing education or an applicable exception, and English proficiency. Physical demands include prolonged periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing; patient or object transfers may be required. The role may involve exposure to infected patients, contaminated materials, isolation or invasive-procedure situations, and occasionally combative patients. The nurse must be able to adapt to stressful situations and shift priorities based on patient needs.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing school, or an applicable education exception described in the announcement.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; an applicable grandfathering provision may apply to current VHA employees.
• Meet the experience and competency criteria for the selected grade: GS-03 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires one of the stated qualifying experience or education pathways; GS-05 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent and the stated practical nursing competencies; GS-06 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-05 or equivalent and the stated advanced competencies.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Selected applicants must complete the online onboarding process, background/security investigation, and required pre-employment requirements; applicants selected for testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the position's physical requirements, including visual acuity correctable to 20/40, hearing clear distinctive speech correctable to 20 dB, and manual dexterity for procedures and computer use.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of LVN/LPN experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform vital signs, pain screening, health factors, and clinical reminders.
• Conduct patient intake, rooming, and visit preparation.
• Administer medications and immunizations according to VA policy and scope of practice.
• Perform wound care, injections, EKGs, point-of-care testing, and specimen collection.
• Monitor and document chronic disease indicators, such as diabetes and hypertension.
• Recognize and report changes in patient condition to the RN or provider.
• Assist with telehealth visits and remote monitoring when assigned.
• Support care coordination by assisting with referrals, follow-ups, and consult tracking.
• Participate in PACT huddles, team planning, and daily workflow management.
• Assist with population health management and panel management activities.
• Support continuity of care across primary care, specialty care, and community care.
• Provide patient education on medications, treatments, and self-care; reinforce provider instructions and health promotion initiatives.
• Help Veterans navigate the clinic and VA healthcare system.
• Document care in CPRS/Cerner Millennium and complete clinical reminders, templates, and screenings according to VA standards.
• Manage secure messages, phone triage tasks, and appointment coordination.
• Maintain exam rooms, equipment, and supplies; follow VA policies, infection control, and safety procedures.
• Support performance improvement and quality initiatives.
• Participate in mandatory training and competencies.
• Promote Veteran-centered care, respect, and teamwork.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed