Licensed Practical Nurse - Geriatrics and Extended Care

Veterans Health Administration • Coatesville, PA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN), GS-7, performs complex practical nursing assignments in a geriatrics and extended-care setting. The role requires comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and specialized skills, independent technical judgment, and work under general supervision. The LPN/LVN contributes to veterans’ plans of care, collaborates with registered nurses and health care providers, administers prescribed medications and treatments, observes and reports changes in patient conditions, and supports safe care delivery by monitoring unlicensed or non-medical staff. The position works evenings from 3:30 p.m. to midnight. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible, highly qualified candidates. The position is not eligible for telework or virtual work, and permanent change-of-station relocation assistance is not authorized. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and program approval; the potential award is up to $200,000 over one to five years.

Requirements

• Graduate from a state-approved or appropriately accredited practical or vocational nursing program.
• Hold full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Have at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, meeting GS-6 LPN/LVN performance requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills for specialized patient care, including the ability to notice subtle physical or emotional changes and take appropriate action.
• Demonstrate the ability to assist an RN or physician in prioritizing care, addressing medication and treatment needs, administering prescribed medications and treatments, and recording patient responses.
• Recognize potential urgent or emergent patient-care situations promptly.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families who may be difficult to care for or communicate with, including those exhibiting resistant or abusive behavior or difficulty understanding instructions.
• Demonstrate initiative and skill in improving care delivery and patient or family satisfaction.
• Support monitoring of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient-care delivery.
• Be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exceptions for non-citizens under VA policy.
• Meet applicable pre-employment screening and onboarding requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position, and a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Submit a complete EDRP application within four months of appointment if seeking EDRP benefits.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of nursing experience as a charge nurse.
• Experience in geriatrics.

Responsibilities

• Carry out specialized patient-care activities, including in complex inpatient or outpatient settings.
• Contribute to and update plans of care for assigned veterans in accordance with policy and changes in condition.
• Promote nursing concepts within the Medical Center and collaborate with registered nurses and health care providers.
• Prepare and administer prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications, and perform treatments according to established procedures.
• Observe patient conditions and communications, take appropriate action, and promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent care situations.
• Accurately report and document significant patient information received from team members; analyze and implement modifications based on those reports.
• Assist registered nurses or providers in prioritizing patient-care needs and adjusting care delivery.
• Monitor unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff practices to support safe patient-care delivery.
• Support patients and families in taking an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles.
• Seek educational opportunities and help other staff improve their nursing practice.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, with a potential award of up to $200,000.
• 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.
• Child-care subsidy may be available to eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment.
• Traditional federal pension and federal 401(k), with VA contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term-life, and long-term-care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for eligible, highly qualified candidates.

What This Job Offers

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