Licensed Practical Nurse ( Long Term Care-Dallas CLC A) - EDRP Authorized

Veterans Health Administration • Dallas, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA North Texas Health Care System is hiring a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse for Long Term Care in Dallas, Texas. The position provides practical nursing care to Veterans, including monitoring and documenting patient condition, administering medications as permitted by facility policy, supporting care plans, educating patients and families, and collaborating with the nursing and interdisciplinary teams. The role may involve working in other units to support continuity of care when operational needs require it.

The full performance level is GS-06, and applicants may be selected at grades GS-03 through GS-06. The position is supervised by an RN or physician. It is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility, application, and program approval. EDRP awards may be up to $200,000, with eligibility periods of one to five years. This is a permanent position; relocation and sign-on incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate from an approved practical or vocational nursing school, subject to stated education exceptions.
• Hold active, full, current, unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, or qualify under the stated grandfathering provision.
• Meet the applicable grade-level qualification requirements for the grade selected. GS-04 requirements include qualifying LPN/LVN experience, qualifying nursing-care experience with approved-school graduation, or graduation from an approved program of at least 24 months. GS-05 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent and the stated practical nursing competencies. GS-06 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-05 or equivalent and the stated GS-05 performance competencies.
• Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including urinalysis if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, background/security investigation, and required identification and application documentation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment to be considered for the program.

Nice To Haves

• Previous LVN experience.
• Wound care experience.
• Long-term care experience.
• Acute care experience.
• Medication aide experience.
• Charge nurse experience.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document vital signs, neurological checks, circulatory assessments, and intake/output measurements.
• Observe and report changes in patients’ conditions to the RN or provider.
• Provide supportive, therapeutic interactions that maintain each Veteran’s dignity and respect.
• Administer permitted medications, including oral, topical, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications, in accordance with facility policy.
• Monitor and document patient responses to medication and promptly report abnormalities.
• Prioritize daily patient-care tasks according to patient needs and changing unit conditions.
• Assist with updating care plans as directed by the RN or provider.
• Recognize urgent situations, seek assistance from licensed personnel, and initiate appropriate interventions as directed.
• Accurately document patient-care activities in CPRS.
• Report equipment malfunctions, environmental safety hazards, and supply shortages to appropriate personnel.
• Educate Veterans and families about medications, basic care expectations, and safety practices.
• Support an environment of trust, positive communication, and therapeutic engagement.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff as a responsible member of the nursing team.
• Assist in orienting and supporting new LVNs and support staff as assigned.
• Participate in ongoing training to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Work other shifts, on call, weekends, or holidays as service needs require.
• Work in other units, including community-based outpatient clinics, when operational needs require support.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and program approval, with awards up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Potential annual-leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to prior approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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