Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (Float, Outpatient Primary Care)

Veterans Health Administration • San Antonio, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (Float) supports outpatient primary care clinics in San Antonio as a multi-site resource, providing foundational, patient-centered nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse or provider. Duties include health screenings, collecting vital signs, rooming patients, administering medications and immunizations, and supporting the PACT team through pre-visit planning, clinic-flow management, and health coaching. The nurse exercises judgment appropriate to the assigned grade level, with work ranging from close supervision to general review by an RN or physician.

The position may be filled at GS-03 through GS-06, with GS-06 identified as the full performance level. Grade-level duties range from routine screenings and basic nursing interventions to complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures, precepting less experienced staff, and collaborating with PACT on access, continuity, quality, and patient-experience goals. Physical demands include standing, walking, moderate lifting, and directly assisting patients.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to stated exceptions for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing program, subject to the listed education exceptions.
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• GS-03: No additional grade-specific requirements beyond the basic requirements.
• GS-04: Six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; or graduation from an approved school plus one year of qualifying nursing-care work; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months' duration.
• GS-05: At least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-04 level or equivalent, plus the specified knowledge and abilities in practical nursing care, staff orientation and training, patient education, teamwork and customer service, medication administration and documentation, emergency response, and reporting equipment or safety concerns.
• GS-06: At least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, plus the specified knowledge and abilities in technical patient care, clinical judgment, patient assessment and education, medication administration, emergency response, patient and family interactions, privacy and dignity, complex diagnostic or specialized procedures, precepting, and continuing professional learning.
• Must complete required application documentation and online onboarding; selected applicants must provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Selected applicants in a testing-designated position are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Subject to background and security investigation; males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• A pre-employment or post-employment physical examination may be required, depending on organizational needs.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Qualifying experience is successful LPN/LVN nursing practice in a health care setting under RN or physician direction, maintaining acceptable standards; qualifying GPN/GVN experience may count under the stated conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of recent LVN nursing experience.
• Recent experience in an emergency room, acute care, ICU, or medical/surgical setting.
• Recent experience in a PACT/primary care clinic or specialty clinic.
• Proficient technical skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• BLS certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform structured or focused health screenings and basic nursing interventions under the supervision appropriate to the assigned grade.
• Room patients, collect vital signs, complete assigned clinical reminders, and maintain clinic flow.
• Administer medications and immunizations according to established protocols; observe and document patient responses and report changes to an RN or provider.
• Review medications and allergies, identify urgent or emergent needs, communicate findings, and initiate nursing protocols or emergency measures as appropriate.
• Support PACT operations through pre-visit planning, daily huddles, team meetings, patient education, schedule management, and panel review.
• Prepare patients for procedures, assist providers with procedures, maintain exam-room readiness, and complete complex diagnostic tests or specialized procedures as assigned.
• Review patient records, obtain missing documentation, and prepare clinical data for visits.
• Orient, educate, and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and nursing assistants, including serving as a preceptor for specialized procedures when required.
• Collaborate with PACT to support access, continuity, quality, and patient-experience goals.
• Observe, accurately document, and report relevant patient information and changes in patient condition.
• Recognize and report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
• Seek educational opportunities and share relevant learning with staff to advance nursing practice.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; eligibility depends on position type and employment status.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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