Licensed Practical Nurse - Primary Care Patient Aligned Care Team

Veterans Health Administration • Dubuque, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This Licensed Practical Nurse serves as a member of a Veterans Health Administration Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), a patient-centered medical home model. The LPN performs non-standard and specialized nursing activities under the direction of a Registered Nurse, drawing on broad work experience and demonstrated skill to independently resolve a range of nursing-care decisions with minimal periodic RN supervision. The position supports the VA Midwest Health Care Network’s Whole Health approach, which empowers Veterans to manage their health and well-being through personalized health plans, healing relationships, and supportive environments.

The full performance level is GS-06; the vacancy may be filled at GS-03 through GS-06. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 0730–1600. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing program, unless an applicable education exception applies.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; training is provided.
• Meet the experience and competency requirements for the grade sought: GS-03 has no additional requirements beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, or specified education and experience alternatives; GS-05 requires one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent and the listed practical-nursing competencies; GS-06 requires one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-05 or equivalent and the listed advanced competencies.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.
• Meet applicable pre-employment screening and onboarding requirements, including background/security investigation and, for testing-designated positions, urinalysis screening.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Complete the application requirements stated in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• Prior clinical experience.
• Prior phlebotomy experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with all disciplines and levels of care regarding patient-care needs.
• Obtain, record, and report vital signs and measurements according to established Standing Orders Policy.
• Perform, report, and record assigned nursing duties, including oxygen therapy, immunizations, medication administration, finger-stick blood glucose testing, insulin-pump and continuous-glucose-monitor insertion, Zio Patch, EKG, and PVR bladder scan.
• Assist with minor procedures and treatments by obtaining and maintaining equipment and supplies, positioning patients, and ensuring privacy and comfort.
• Observe physical and emotional changes in patients’ conditions and report deviations to the RN or provider.
• Provide health education or instruction to patients and families, including self-management, prevention, and wellness.
• Support patients undergoing complex diagnostic tests or specialized procedures, including patient preparation, assistance during examinations, handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures, as applicable to the selected grade.
• Recognize urgent or emergency situations, seek assistance from the RN or provider, and initiate or assist with appropriate emergency measures as directed.
• Document medication administration and patient responses, and promptly report changes in condition, safety hazards, equipment problems, and supply deficiencies.
• At applicable grades, orient, educate, and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians, and share newly acquired nursing knowledge with staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual-leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• 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 may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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