Licensed Practical Nurse - Community Living Center

Veterans Health Administration • Butler, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is assigned to the Community Living Center at VA Butler Healthcare and provides direct patient care to Veterans with a range of physical, mental, behavioral, and psychosocial needs. As a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the LPN delivers practical nursing care that supports quality outcomes, promotes Veteran-centered care, and advances VA’s mission of providing exceptional health care to Veterans.

The position is an open continuous announcement through December 31, 2026. Eligible applications may be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur until positions are filled. The schedule consists of 8-hour rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays. Compressed or flexible scheduling is authorized; telework is not authorized, and the position is not virtual.

This position requires graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing program (subject to stated exceptions) and full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth. Direct-care LPN/LVNs must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade-level qualifications range from the basic requirements at GS-3 to progressively greater qualifying experience, nursing knowledge, judgment, and independence at GS-4 through GS-6. The work is performed under the general supervision of an RN or physician, with review depending on grade and complexity of duties.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass required pre-employment screening and a physical evaluation, and meet other federal employment conditions. A 1- or 2-year trial period may apply. The position is in the Excepted Service and may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program requirements and approval.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• 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 military education and other exceptions.
• Full, active, current, unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English for direct patient care.
• Meet the applicable grade-level qualifications: GS-3 requires no additional qualifications beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires qualifying experience or the specified approved-school education and nursing-care experience; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-4 or equivalent; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-5 or equivalent and meeting GS-5 performance requirements.
• At GS-5 and above, demonstrate practical nursing knowledge and skills appropriate to the grade, including patient care, medication administration and documentation, observation and reporting, emergency response, equipment and safety awareness, and effective interaction with patients and the care team.
• At GS-6, demonstrate the ability to organize and deliver care based on patient condition, recognize and report relevant information and deviations from normal, support specialized procedures, and work with limited review consistent with established policies and procedures.
• Pass required background/security screening, pre-employment drug testing when applicable, and pre-employment physical evaluation; comply with applicable onboarding, identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete all application requirements specified in the announcement.
• Serve the required 1- or 2-year trial period if appointed under that condition.

Nice To Haves

• Prior work experience or military service may be credited toward the annual leave accrual rate, subject to request and approval before appointment.
• The position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program; eligibility, award, and approval are subject to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Administer immunizations independently after completing the Immunization Competency Module.
• Observe, report, and document patient status; implement established care plans and report changes in behavior or physical condition, medication responses, adverse reactions, and possible medication errors to the RN and in the medical record.
• After competency verification, monitor intravenous therapy for prescribed rate, patency, infiltration, or extravasation; discontinue infusions when directed by the RN or physician, and document and report findings.
• Perform diagnostic procedures including vital signs, pain screening, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, intake and output, height and weight measurements, finger sticks, and EKGs; recognize deviations from normal and report and document results.
• Perform narcotic counts according to policy and immediately notify the Charge RN of discrepancies.
• Make frequent patient rounds, monitor the environment and changes in patient behavior or physical condition, and report and document problems that may adversely affect patients, visitors, or personnel.
• Observe, document, and report unpredictable behavior and potential injury risks related to violence, wandering, or falls.
• Support therapeutic and diagnostic procedures by reinforcing patient teaching, documenting health education, confirming signed informed consent, assisting with physical examinations, monitoring patient condition, and providing follow-up care.
• Maintain, care for, and order supplies and equipment; report equipment malfunctions.
• Maintain a safe, clean, therapeutic work and patient environment; follow safety procedures, use good body mechanics, and wear personal protective equipment as needed.
• Reinforce exercises and other concepts recommended by Physical Medicine & Rehabilitative Service, including use of assistive devices, range-of-motion activities, manual joint stretching, and ambulation.
• Apply protective or supporting devices and restraints under direction of the RN or medical provider.
• Administer nasogastric tube feedings; provide enterostomal and perineal care; administer enemas and colostomy irrigations; provide bowel and bladder training; apply external urinary devices; and perform bladder catheterization.
• Provide practical nursing care and treatments within the scope of licensure and facility policies, recognize and respond to urgent or emergency situations, and seek assistance from the RN or physician as appropriate.
• Support complex diagnostic tests or specialized procedures, including patient preparation, assistance during examinations, handling specialized equipment, and monitoring before, during, and after procedures.
• Orient, educate, or train less experienced nursing staff or assistants as assigned, and pursue educational opportunities to improve nursing knowledge and practice.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Potential Education Debt Reduction Program student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 for eligible selected applicants, subject to program approval and terms.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting.
• 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 may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree