Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Beckley, WV

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Practical Nurse provides safe, individualized nursing care to patients in a Primary Care setting as part of the Beckley VA Medical Center Patient Aligned Care Team. The nurse interacts and collaborates with Veterans, families, caregivers, professionals, and support staff, and takes appropriate action based on observations of a patient's condition.

The role includes carrying out assigned care, administering medications and treatments, assisting with diagnostic tests and specialized procedures, educating patients and families, and accurately documenting care in the Electronic Health Record. The nurse recognizes changes in condition and urgent or emergency situations, responds according to policy, and works under RN supervision when caring for patients with complex medical or emotional conditions. The position also supports patient safety, staff development, and improvements to care and procedures.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The full performance level is GS-06, and the vacancy may be filled at GS-03 through GS-06. This is a permanent position; telework is not available, and the position is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by NLNAC when the program was completed, subject to the stated education exceptions.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Meet the qualification criteria for the selected GS grade: GS-03 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires qualifying LPN/LVN experience or qualifying nursing-care experience/education; GS-05 requires the stated practical nursing knowledge and abilities; GS-06 requires proficiency and ability across the listed patient-care, medication, emergency-response, communication, and specialized-procedure duties.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and any applicable background/security investigation and drug screening.
• Complete required online onboarding and application documentation and comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Four years of LPN experience.
• Recent Primary Care Clinic experience.

Responsibilities

• Carry out assigned patient-care activities using sound judgment, selecting and sequencing procedures and treatments according to individual patient needs.
• Observe patients and accurately recognize, report, and document relevant information and changes in physical or emotional condition.
• Prepare and administer prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications, and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures.
• Respond to urgent and emergent situations, seek RN or provider assistance as appropriate, and initiate or assist with emergency interventions, including resuscitation, according to policy.
• Prepare, assist with, and monitor patients during diagnostic tests and specialized procedures; handle specialized instruments and equipment and record patient condition before, during, and after procedures.
• Educate patients and families about diseases, medications, and treatments, and share acquired knowledge with staff.
• Maintain role-specific and unit-specific competencies and technical proficiency in assigned nursing duties for diverse patient populations.
• Complete Electronic Health Record documentation accurately and promptly and contribute observations and suggestions to improve plans of care and Veteran outcomes.
• Prioritize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition based on communication, observation, and reports.
• Address safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, and supply deficiencies; promote a safe therapeutic environment and follow infection-control, patient-safety, and hospital-safety practices.
• Provide care modalities to patients with complex medical or emotional conditions under RN supervision and maintain competency in supporting IV therapy initiation, administration, and monitoring.
• Participate in nursing in-services, ongoing staff development, and required training and reviews.
• Serve as a role model and assist with orientation of nursing and non-nursing staff, students, and volunteers.
• Collaborate with RNs, providers, and other disciplines to provide comprehensive care.
• Participate in developing, evaluating, and implementing new or revised policies and procedures, and adapt to changing patient and unit needs.
• Build constructive relationships with patients and families, supporting communication and socialization while respecting privacy, dignity, and rights.
• Apply established customer service standards in interactions with patients, families, and internal and external customers.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 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 the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child care subsidy may be available to eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility conditions.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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