Licensed Practical Nurse-VA Community Living Center

Veterans Health Administration•Saint Cloud, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works in the VA Community Living Center (CLC) at the Saint Cloud VA Medical Center in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. The CLC provides compassionate, person-centered short- and long-term care to Veterans, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and hospice services. The position’s full performance level is GS-6; selections may be made at grades GS-3 through GS-6. The position is part of a 24/7 unit, with full-time and part-time schedules potentially available across day, evening, and night shifts. Alternating weekends and holidays are required, and specific schedules are discussed during the interview process. Additional compensation may include shift differential, weekend premium, and holiday pay. The LPN provides direct nursing care and supports residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs. The nurse works under the general supervision of a registered nurse or physician, with the degree of review depending on grade and task complexity. The position requires an approved practical or vocational nursing education, an active and unrestricted LPN/LVN license, English proficiency, and basic life support certification. A pre-employment physical evaluation is required. Long-term and hospice care experience is preferred but not required.

Requirements

Graduate from a practical or vocational nursing program approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by the relevant nursing accrediting body, subject to stated exceptions.
Active, full, current, unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
Obtain and maintain basic life support (BLS) certification.
Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Complete a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.
Meet grade-specific qualification criteria: GS-3 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires qualifying experience or education as specified; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent and demonstrated nursing competencies; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and demonstrated competencies.
Complete required application and onboarding steps and undergo applicable background/security investigation and, for testing-designated positions, pre-employment urinalysis.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period as specified for the appointment.

Nice To Haves

Long-term care experience.
Hospice care experience.

Responsibilities

Provide direct resident care, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
Assist registered nurses and physicians with medical procedures, wound care, and other treatments.
Observe residents’ conditions and report changes to registered nurses and physicians for timely intervention.
Maintain detailed records of residents’ health status, treatments, and progress.
Offer emotional support and help create a comforting, supportive environment.
Educate patients and families individually about care and self-management according to VA guidelines.
Support families compassionately during end-of-life care and assist with arrangements after a resident’s death.
Collaborate with registered nurses, physicians, therapists, and social workers to develop and implement individualized care plans.
Participate in unit committees and activities as directed.
Administer and document prescribed medications and treatments within applicable policies and procedures.
Recognize urgent or emergent situations, seek assistance, and initiate appropriate emergency measures as directed.
Orient, educate, or train less experienced nursing staff or nursing assistants as applicable to grade and assignment.

Benefits

37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with VA contributions of up to 5%.
Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs may be carried into retirement.
Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
Potential eligibility for the Student Loan Repayment Program, up to $40,000 annually and $100,000 lifetime, with a three-year service agreement and performance requirements.
Shift differential of 10% of basic pay for regularly scheduled work between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Weekend premium of 25% of basic pay for work between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday.
Holiday pay at twice the basic hourly rate for regularly scheduled, non-overtime work on a designated holiday.
Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step may be considered based on qualifications or VA needs.