Licensed Practical Nurse-Community Living Center

Veterans Health Administration • Fayetteville, NC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) position is in Community Living Center 3A at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina, aligned under the Nursing, Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line. The nurse provides safe, individualized nursing care to patients in Community Living Center, hospice, and rehabilitation settings, collaborating with patients, families, and health care and supportive personnel.

The position performs assigned duties to promote quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving veterans. Work includes providing and documenting nursing care and treatments, monitoring patient condition, administering medications, assisting with procedures and resident movement, and supporting admissions, transfers, and discharges. The position works under the supervision described for the applicable grade, and the full performance level is GS-03; selection may be at GS-03 through GS-05.

The schedule consists of 12-hour shifts, either 7:45 a.m.–8:15 p.m. or 7:45 p.m.–8:15 a.m., with alternate weekends. Telework and virtual work are not available. Recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing school, subject to the stated exceptions.
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, unless covered by the stated grandfathering provision.
• Meet the experience and competency qualifications for the grade sought: GS-03 has no requirements beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires specified qualifying experience or education; GS-05 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 level or equivalent and the described nursing competencies.
• For GS-05, demonstrate ability to provide practical nursing care across varied physical or behavioral needs; work with the RN and/or physician to orient or train less experienced staff; educate patients or families; interact appropriately with patients, families, and care personnel; administer and document medications; recognize emergencies and assist with resuscitation; and report equipment malfunctions, hazards, or supply deficiencies.
• For GS-06 qualification criteria described in the announcement, have at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-05 level or equivalent and meet the stated competencies for independent assigned care, patient observation, medication administration, emergency response, patient and family relationships, specialized procedures, precepting, and continued learning.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination and, if selected, required drug screening and background/security investigation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete the required online onboarding and application documentation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• One year of LPN/LVN experience in long-term care, hospice, or rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Registered Nurse in coordinating resident care activities with other departments and prepare residents for scheduled appointments, tests, and procedures.
• Provide nursing care, including feeding, bathing, shaving, wound-care dressings, warm and cold compresses, suppositories, and enemas.
• Observe, report, and document physical and behavioral changes in residents’ conditions, including vital signs, emotional responses, and procedure results.
• Measure and record blood pressure, temperature, pulse, weight, and respiration, and collect specimens.
• Assist with lifting and positioning residents using proper body mechanics and lifting devices when appropriate.
• Assist physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Follow standard and universal precaution policies and procedures.
• Apply external, safety, and other supportive devices as indicated or prescribed.
• Respond to call lights in a timely and courteous manner.
• Administer and document permitted oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, and/or intravenous medications; observe their effectiveness and document findings.
• Administer and record treatments such as ostomy irrigations, tracheotomy care, catheterizations, and internal tube feedings.
• Initiate CPR in critical emergencies until the rapid response team arrives, and perform oral or tracheal suction through the mouth or an established tube.
• Assist the RN with admitting, transferring, and discharging residents.
• Report and record potentially unsafe unit or patient activities and equipment.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.
• 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.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to 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.

What This Job Offers

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