Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse-Outpatient Surgery Clinics

Veterans Health Administration • Aurora, CO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) provides outpatient nursing care in Surgery/Specialty Clinics within the Interventional Service of the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. The role supports Patient Care Services and the VA mission by promoting quality health care, positive customer service, and a safe, therapeutic, patient-centered environment for Veterans.

The clinics serve adult and elderly Veterans with varied surgical and specialty needs, including ambulatory specialty care, emergency care, pre- and postoperative care, long-term care, and behavioral health care. Patients may have multiple chronic conditions. The LPN/LVN provides practical nursing care, patient and family education, medication administration and documentation, and support for diagnostic tests and procedures. The nurse works within the scope of practice determined by licensure and facility policies, using standardized procedures under the general supervision of a registered nurse or provider. Health promotion and patient teaching may be provided independently after competency validation.

The position requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. The listed schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., four 10-hour shifts; compressed scheduling is available. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-6.

Requirements

• Graduate from a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by the NLNAC when the program was completed.
• Hold full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the applicable grade requirements: GS-3 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, or graduation from an approved school plus one year of experience, or graduation from an approved school program of at least 24 months; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and fulfillment of GS-5 performance requirements.
• For GS-5 and GS-6, demonstrate the nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, medication administration, documentation, patient education, emergency response, teamwork, and patient-care skills applicable to the grade.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Complete required background/security investigation and onboarding requirements; selected applicants for testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Meet the position’s physical demands, which may include prolonged walking, standing, or sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as required.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of LPN experience.
• Podiatry experience.
• Outpatient clinical experience.
• PAVE certification.
• Outpatient surgery clinic experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical nursing care to patients attending outpatient surgery and specialty-care appointments.
• Assess patient needs and carry out assigned care based on patient condition, using judgment to sequence procedures and treatments.
• Educate patients and family members about medications, prescribed treatment regimens, and acute and chronic disease management.
• Interact with patients, families, providers, and other personnel involved in patient care, incorporating customer-service standards.
• Prepare, administer, and document commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications as permitted by local policy.
• Document observations, treatments, and nursing care in the computer record, including relevant patient information and responses to medication or treatment.
• Recognize urgent or emergency situations, initiate appropriate measures, and promptly seek assistance from an RN, PA/NP, or physician.
• Recognize and report equipment breakage or malfunction, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
• Assist with diagnostic examinations and specialized procedures, including preparing patients and handling specialized instruments or equipment.
• Help maintain a safe, therapeutic, patient-centered environment.
• Work as a nursing team member within licensure scope and facility policies and procedures.
• Provide health promotion and patient teaching independently after competency validation.
• Maintain flexibility in schedule and assignments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 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.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for 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 family-income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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