Licensed Practical Nurse - PACT

Veterans Health Administration • Dayton, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) performs assigned duties to promote quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving Veterans. The role provides direct care to adult patients, from age 18 through older adulthood, and delivers nursing care according to Patient Centered Care/RSC and PACT principles. The position requires recognizing changes in patient condition and emergencies, taking appropriate action, and seeking assistance from the RN or physician when needed. The full performance level is GS-6; applicants may be selected at GS-3 through GS-6.

The nurse documents patient care, completes clinical reminders and forms, supports diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and assists with patient and family education, including self-care, diabetes, and hypertension. Nurses assigned laboratory duties receive training and competency verification and follow applicable laboratory policies. The position also calls for professional, empathetic communication with patients, families, coworkers, and visitors, and compliance with safety and emergency procedures.

The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telework is unavailable; this is not a virtual position. The position is with the Department of Veterans Affairs and requires U.S. citizenship, applicable practical or vocational nursing education and licensure, and proficiency in written and spoken English. Employees must maintain current BLS and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program. A one- or two-year trial period is required.

Requirements

• Graduate from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency or accredited by NLNAC, subject to stated exceptions.
• Hold full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except where VA policy permits appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Maintain current BLS.
• For GS-4, meet at least one stated qualification pathway: six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; approved-school graduation plus one year of qualifying nursing-care work; or graduation from an approved program of at least 24 months.
• For GS-5, have at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent, and demonstrate practical nursing care, teamwork, medication preparation/administration/documentation, emergency response, and safety awareness skills.
• For GS-6, have at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and meet GS-5 performance requirements, including patient-care, medication, emergency-response, patient/family communication, diagnostic-support, and continuing-learning competencies.
• Meet applicable VA physical standards.
• Complete required pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and application documentation; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Prior work experience or military service may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.
• Applicants may qualify under the VA grandfathering provision if they are current VHA employees in this occupation and meet its criteria.

Responsibilities

• Notify the supervisory staff nurse or supervisor of problems or changes in a patient's condition.
• Notify the Lead RN/Nurse Manager about large spills or linen needs and inform the EMS supervisor.
• Complete due clinical reminders, document care provided, and assist with patient forms.
• Provide direct care to male and female patients aged 18 through adulthood, including elderly patients.
• Deliver nursing care according to Patient Centered Care/RSC and PACT principles.
• Recognize critical or emergency care situations, initiate effective action, and summon appropriate assistance.
• Maintain current BLS and initiate or perform CPR when indicated.
• Follow applicable safety and emergency procedures, including plans for hazardous materials, fire, equipment failure, and utility outages.
• Model professional conduct and communicate with consideration, empathy, and respect.
• Complete assigned laboratory duties after training and competency verification, and follow laboratory policies and procedures.
• Assist patients, families, and significant others with self-care education.
• Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Assist patients with diabetes and hypertension education.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family-income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED