Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

Veterans Health Administration • Providence, RI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse position is in the Primary Care Service at the VA Providence Healthcare System in Providence, Rhode Island. The full-time position is 40 hours per week; clinic needs determine the days and hours, which will be discussed. The LPN/LVN delivers comprehensive, proactive nursing care to advance quality health outcomes, provide patient- and family-centered service, and support care for Veterans. Work is performed under general supervision, with periodic review by an RN or provider. The nurse exercises independent technical judgment, prioritizes and adapts care to patients’ changing needs, evaluates patient information, recognizes changes in condition, communicates with the interdisciplinary team, and documents care accurately. The position also serves as a resource and mentor to less experienced staff and contributes to process improvement and a culture of safety and continuous learning.

The role requires active, full, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure and graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing program, subject to the listed education exceptions. For GS-07, applicants must have at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent and meet the stated knowledge, skills, and abilities. The position is not eligible for telework and is not virtual. Recruitment/relocation incentives and permanent change of station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Graduation from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by NLNAC, subject to the listed exceptions.
• Active, full, current, unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated grandfathering provision.
• For GS-07: at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting GS-6 performance requirements.
• Knowledge and skills to perform specialized patient-care duties and contribute to patient health planning and nursing interventions.
• Ability to prioritize patient-care needs with an RN or physician, recognize subtle physical and emotional changes, document care and responses, and seek higher-level assistance when needed.
• Ability to assist with medication and treatment needs, administer and record prescribed medications and treatments, and recognize and report potential drug reactions.
• Ability to recognize urgent or emergent situations, obtain appropriate assistance, and intervene as directed to maintain safe care.
• Ability to communicate with and support patients and families, including those who are difficult to care for or communicate with.
• Ability to contribute to care improvement and customer service, and to serve as a resource and mentor in specialized procedures and practices.
• Must meet VA pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position, onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience caring for adult patients with multiple medical, functional, cognitive, or behavioral health needs in primary care or a comparable clinical setting.
• Advanced clinical observation skills, including recognizing subtle changes in a patient's condition and accurately documenting findings and interventions.
• Experience administering prescribed medications and treatments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive, proactive practical nursing care that supports quality outcomes and patient- and family-centered service for Veterans.
• Exercise independent technical judgment and apply comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills under general supervision.
• Prioritize tasks, select and sequence procedures, and adapt interventions to changes in patient status or care needs.
• Evaluate patient data, recognize subtle changes in condition, and communicate promptly with the interdisciplinary care team, RN, or provider as appropriate.
• Accurately document care, observations, interventions, and patient responses in accordance with professional standards.
• Assist with prioritizing and modifying patient care and treatment plans, and administer prescribed medications and treatments according to policy and procedure.
• Recognize potential medication reactions and urgent or emergent care situations, seek appropriate assistance, and intervene as directed.
• Support patients and families in promoting healthy lifestyles and taking an active role in care.
• Contribute to care-delivery improvement and patient and family satisfaction through participation in improvement activities.
• Serve as a resource, role model, and mentor to less experienced nursing staff, and support safe practice by non-licensed staff.
• Support a culture of safety, continuous learning, and process improvement.

Benefits

• 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.
• Potential 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-care 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 VA contributions up to 5%.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed