Licensed Practical Nurse - Specialty Care (Medical Subspecialties Clinic)

Veterans Health Administration • Tucson, AZ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) serves at the point of care for the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, providing nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran population with varying levels of complexity. Under supervision from a higher-grade LPN, registered nurse (RN), or Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP), the LPN works in settings that may include acute care, residential, mental health, rehabilitation, palliative, and hospice care.

The LPN performs assigned duties to promote quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving Veterans. The role includes complex age-specific nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with physical, mental, behavioral, or psychological needs, within the scope of practical nursing knowledge, training, and assignment. The LPN adheres to established policies, procedures, standards of care, and standards of practice; maintains role-related competencies; documents care in the medical record; and reports observations and findings to the RN and, when appropriate, the clinical provider.

Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration with Dietetic Services, Business Operations, Social Workers, Primary Care PACT staff, medical staff, an OR scheduler, and community providers. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, with eight-hour tours. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station authorization are not offered.

Requirements

• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Graduation from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by NLNAC, subject to stated exceptions and grandfathering provisions.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Meet the applicable grade-level qualifications: GS-3 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, qualifying education, or a stated combination; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying GS-4-level experience and the described nursing knowledge and skills; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying GS-5-level experience or equivalent and the described competencies.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and required background/security investigation; selected applicants are subject to drug testing and must complete onboarding requirements.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as required.
• Perform physical activities that may include walking, bending, stooping, lifting, transferring patients or objects, and extended sitting or standing; use provided mechanical lifts and safe patient handling and mobility protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to adult and geriatric Veterans with varying physical, mental, behavioral, and psychological needs, within the scope of licensure, assignment, and training.
• Perform assigned nursing duties in accordance with established policies, procedures, standards of care, and standards of practice.
• Maintain competencies consistent with the LPN role and responsibilities.
• Document care in the medical record and report observations and findings to the RN and, when appropriate, the clinical provider.
• Collaborate with Dietetic Services, Business Operations, Social Workers, Primary Care PACT staff, medical staff, the OR scheduler, and community providers as part of a multidisciplinary approach to care.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications and perform treatments as authorized by facility policies and procedures.
• Observe patients, recognize and respond to their needs, and promptly report changes or urgent and emergent situations to appropriate clinical staff.
• Recognize equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or supply deficiencies and report them for corrective action.
• Assist with resuscitation procedures when indicated and seek assistance from an RN or physician.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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