Licensed Practical-Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

Veterans Health Administration • Middletown, RI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) works in the Primary Care Service at the VA Providence Healthcare System. This is a permanent, full-time position scheduled for 40 hours per week. The nurse provides direct patient care to adults through geriatric patients, recognizing age-related needs and tailoring care to patients’ cognitive, physical, emotional, and developmental needs. The position works as part of the healthcare team, with the Registered Nurse ultimately responsible for patient care. The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the tour of duty may be determined based on facility needs. Telework is not available.

The position is an open continuous announcement to the public and internal applicants, open until October 30, 2026. Qualified candidates are referred to the hiring manager bi-weekly until the position is filled. The position is permanent, is in the Excepted Service, and is covered by a LIUNA bargaining unit and a special rate. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, proficient in written and spoken English, and hold full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. They must graduate from an approved practical or vocational nursing program, or meet an applicable military-training or other stated education exception. Grade requirements vary from GS-3 through GS-6 and include experience, education, and demonstrated nursing knowledge and skills as specified for the grade. At GS-6, at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent is required. Preferred experience includes Primary Care Service or an equivalent primary care office and one year of LPN experience.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Graduation from an NLNAC-approved/accredited practical or vocational nursing school, or qualification under one of the stated military-training, legacy VHA employee, or licensing-jurisdiction exceptions.
• Meet the applicable GS grade requirements: GS-3 requires no qualifications beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires six months of qualifying LPN experience, an approved school program of at least 24 months, or the stated education-and-experience combination; GS-5 requires one year at GS-4 and the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities; GS-6 requires at least one year at GS-5 or equivalent and all specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• GS-5 qualifications include practical nursing knowledge and ability; teamwork and appropriate interaction with patients, families, and staff; medication preparation, administration, and documentation within facility policy; recognition of emergencies and assistance with resuscitation; and recognition and reporting of equipment, safety, and supply problems.
• GS-6 qualifications include technical proficiency in assigned care; sound judgment in sequencing procedures and treatments; accurate observation, reporting, and documentation; medication administration and treatments; recognition and response to urgent or emergent situations; effective relationships and communication with patients and families; respect for privacy and dignity; customer-service skills; support for complex diagnostic tests or specialized procedures; precepting less experienced staff in related duties; and seeking and sharing educational learning.
• Meet applicable federal pre-employment conditions, including background/security investigation, required onboarding and identification documentation, seasonal influenza vaccination, and drug testing for applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated positions.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Primary Care Service or an equivalent primary care office.
• One year of LPN experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to adult through geriatric patients, accounting for age-related cognitive, physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Serve as an active member of the healthcare team and attend interdisciplinary treatment-team meetings, contributing to comprehensive treatment plans.
• Adjust the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on knowledge of the patient’s condition.
• Assume responsibility for patients in accordance with standards and recommendations, with the Registered Nurse ultimately responsible.
• Collect data and collaborate in assessing patients’ health status.
• Participate in health screening, clinical reminders, telephone calls, treatments, and evaluation of patient responses to interventions, as assigned.
• Recognize, promptly report, and document changes in patients’ physical condition or behavior.
• Complete routine documentation of care and treatment results using the electronic record and information network, according to policy and instructions.
• Identify environmental hazards and unsafe conditions, take appropriate precautions and interventions, and report concerns to appropriate officials.
• Follow safety regulations and infection-control practices.
• Differentiate emergent from non-emergent conditions; promptly report and accurately document critical or emergency situations and seek assistance as appropriate.
• Serve as a patient advocate by communicating and collaborating with other health-service personnel as delegated.
• Use proper channels to resolve ethical issues.
• Treat patients, family members, visitors, and staff courteously and respond promptly and professionally to requests for assistance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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