Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Syracuse, NY

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) performs assigned duties to promote quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving Veterans. In a Specialty Care setting, the LPN provides clinical and patient-support services, including diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, procedure assistance, and clinic workflow support. The position is not virtual and follows a Monday-through-Friday work schedule. The full-performance level is GS-06; applicants may be selected at GS-03 through GS-06.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing program, or meet an applicable education exception described in the announcement.
• Active, full, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated grandfathering provision.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the applicable GS-grade qualifications. GS-4 qualifications include six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, or specified education and nursing-care experience, or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months. GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying GS-4-level experience and the stated nursing knowledge and abilities. GS-6 requires at least one year of additional qualifying GS-5-level experience and the stated patient-care competencies.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination and complete required background/security screening and onboarding.
• Applicants selected for a testing-designated position must undergo pre-employment urinalysis; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete all application requirements in the announcement’s Required Documents section.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• If relying on foreign education, provide the required foreign-equivalency documentation; education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic tests, including 12-lead EKGs.
• Monitor, report, and record vital signs and other patient measurements, including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, major pulse points, peripheral circulation, and neurological checks.
• Set up for and assist providers with procedures.
• Perform glucometer testing, urine collection, and point-of-care testing.
• Measure patients for compression stockings.
• Identify and report abnormal results to the RN or provider.
• Schedule appointments; check in, room, and check out patients.
• Maintain annual competency in the handling and care of reusable medical equipment (RME).
• Perform other duties assigned as part of Specialty Clinics.
• Provide nursing care and treatments within applicable policies and procedures, observing patients for changes and reporting deviations to an RN or provider.
• Support diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, handling equipment, and monitoring patient condition.
• Educate patients and families, contribute to positive patient relationships and customer service, and support less experienced staff as appropriate to grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 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 birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• 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: No Education Listed