Licensed Practical Nurse-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Program

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Cloud, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works in the Mental Health Service, Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at the Saint Cloud VA Medical Center. The program provides Veterans with comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services for mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or provider, the LPN is a member of the nursing team who provides direct patient care and clerical support. The position may be filled at GS-3 through GS-6, with GS-6 as the full performance level.

The LPN provides physical and emotional support to Veterans, administers medications and injections, collects specimens, completes clinical reminders, conducts focused assessments, implements interventions, and documents care in the electronic medical record. The nurse communicates changes in patients’ conditions to an RN or provider, supports therapeutic and community activities, educates Veterans and families, and participates in nursing reports and treatment team meetings. The role also supports telehealth programs in collaboration with clinical coordinators and telehealth personnel.

This is a full-time position with rotating day/evening or day/night shifts scheduled Sunday through Saturday. Rotating weekends and holidays are required. Compressed or flexible scheduling is available; telework and virtual work are not available. The position requires BLS certification and a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation. Physical duties include extensive standing and walking, as well as recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, pushing, pulling, and overhead reaching. Care may involve patients whose behaviors are unpredictable, disruptive, or aggressive.

Requirements

• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the applicable nursing accrediting body, subject to stated exceptions.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. State, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to applicable grandfathering provisions.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, except where VA policy permits appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Must obtain and maintain basic life support (BLS) certification.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation and required background/security investigation and onboarding.
• Must meet the applicable grade qualifications: 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 the listed practical nursing competencies; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and the listed competencies.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Must comply with other stated federal employment conditions, including Selective Service registration for applicable males and drug testing for applicants selected for testing-designated positions.

Nice To Haves

• Mental health experience preferred, but not required.
• Telehealth experience preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide physical and emotional support to Veterans with mental health challenges, addressing behavioral and physical needs within the scope of practice.
• Administer medications and injections in accordance with facility policies, including medications used in medical and psychiatric care.
• Collect urine samples, administer breathalyzer tests, and collect other point-of-care specimens as required.
• Complete clinical reminders and report findings to a clinician, provider, or registered nurse.
• Use therapeutic communication with Veterans and their families.
• Initiate and evaluate Veterans’ participation in community groups and meetings.
• Conduct focused assessments and implement pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions according to facility policies and procedures.
• Communicate deviations from a Veteran’s established baseline to the RN or provider.
• Educate Veterans and family members about common medical conditions, medications, and prescribed treatment plans.
• Record observations and relevant patient-care information in the electronic medical record.
• Identify, address, and report urgent and non-urgent situations as required.
• Assist with the proper counting and maintenance of controlled substances.
• Participate in daily nursing reports and treatment team meetings.
• Work with clinical coordinators and telehealth personnel to execute, assess, and improve telehealth programs.
• Perform other selected duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• 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 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.
• May be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program, up to $40,000 annually and $100,000 over a lifetime, subject to a three-year service agreement and other conditions.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed