Licensed Practical Nurse - Community Living Center

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

6d

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct and indirect patient-centered care in the Community Living Center, promoting quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment focused on serving Veterans. The role supports patients receiving long-term care, short-term care or rehabilitation, and end-of-life care. The LPN works with registered nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, medical residents and students, other health professionals, and hospital systems to coordinate care.

The nurse prepares, administers, and documents medications and immunizations; assesses and responds to patient needs and medication effects; provides individual teaching on medication self-administration; and supports patient self-management, prevention, and wellness based on patient goals. The role also includes nurse health maintenance visits, chart auditing, quality improvement, and evidence-based nursing practice under the direction of a registered nurse. The full performance level is GS-6. The position offers eligibility to apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program requirements and approval.

Requirements

• Graduate from a state-approved or appropriately accredited practical or vocational nursing program.
• Hold full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the GS-6 requirement of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting GS-5 LPN/LVN performance requirements.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned care for variable patient populations.
• Use judgment to carry out patient care, select the order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information.
• Observe, identify, and respond to patient care needs, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient or family education; consider emotional, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and age-related factors.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures; document and report patient changes or deviations.
• Recognize urgent or emergent situations, seek assistance, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• Work effectively with patients, families, and staff; respect patient and family privacy and dignity and follow customer service standards.
• Support 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.
• Meet pre-employment physical evaluation, background/security investigation, and applicable drug-testing requirements; participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and annual employee health requirements.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except where non-citizen appointment is permitted under VA policy.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of long-term care experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, administer, and document medications and immunizations as directed.
• Provide direct and indirect specialized, patient-centered care.
• Coordinate care with physicians, nurse practitioners, medical residents and students, other health professionals, and hospital systems.
• Assess patients’ learning needs and provide individual instruction on self-administration of specific medications.
• Observe for physical or emotional side effects and contraindications related to medications, and report deviations from normal to the appropriate provider.
• Manage care for patient groups receiving long-term care, short-term care or rehabilitation, and/or end-of-life care.
• Support patient self-management, prevention, and wellness based on patient goals.
• Conduct nurse health maintenance visits, chart audits, and performance or quality improvement activities.
• Implement evidence-based nursing practice and advanced competence to improve patient outcomes, safety, and performance metrics under the direction of a registered nurse.
• Identify medication deviations from normal and collaborate with providers about possible medication regimen changes.
• Educate patients to improve safety and develop patient-centered solutions that support medication self-administration at home.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility, application, and program approval, with an award of up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA 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.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave 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 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.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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