Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Slidell, LA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Primary Care Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) provides technically proficient, patient-centered nursing care under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse (RN) or provider. The position supports safe, efficient clinical operations and contributes to high-quality care within the healthcare team. The full performance level is GS-06; selection may be at GS-03 through GS-06.

The LPN/LVN provides care to varied patient populations, choosing appropriate sequences of procedures and treatments and accurately recognizing, reporting, and documenting relevant patient information. The nurse observes and responds to patient care needs, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient and family education, while considering emotional, socioeconomic, and age-related factors. The role includes preparing and administering prescribed medications and performing treatments under established policies and procedures; monitoring and documenting patient responses; and reporting deviations or urgent situations to an RN or provider. The nurse also supports complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.

Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to change based on facility needs. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual. Work takes place in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks and normal safety precautions. The environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, but may involve multiple tasks and stressful situations.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where non-citizens may be appointed under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing school, or an applicable education exception described in the announcement.
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the applicable grade-level qualification requirements; the vacancy may be filled at GS-03 through GS-06.
• GS-04 qualification may include six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; or graduation from an approved school plus one year of qualifying nursing care experience; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• GS-05 qualification requires at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-04 level or equivalent, along with the specified practical nursing knowledge and competencies.
• GS-06 qualification requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent and full performance of GS-05 requirements, along with the specified competencies.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and meet application documentation requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Physical ability may be required for standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; may be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of primary care and phlebotomy experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide technically proficient nursing care to varied patient populations under the supervision and direction of an RN or provider.
• Carry out assigned patient care based on patient conditions, selecting appropriate procedures and treatment sequences and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information.
• Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education while considering emotional, socioeconomic, and age-related factors.
• Prepare and administer prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures.
• Monitor patients for physical or emotional changes related to medications and treatments, document changes promptly and accurately, and report deviations from normal to an RN or provider.
• Recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance from an RN or provider, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• Work effectively with patients, family members, and staff using knowledge of human behavior and patient responses.
• Respect patient and family rights to privacy and dignity and incorporate established customer service standards into interactions.
• Support complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, preparing and handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.
• Recognize and report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies promptly to appropriate personnel.
• At GS-05 and GS-06, provide education and training or orientation to less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or nursing assistants or health technicians, as applicable to grade-level duties.
• At GS-06, serve as a preceptor for support duties involving complex tests or procedures and pursue educational opportunities to improve nursing knowledge and practice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays per year.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a child care 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 contributions by VA.
• 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