Licensed Vocational Nurse - Specialty

Veterans Health Administration • Palo Alto, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LVN is a direct-care provider who has the technical proficiency and excellent observation skills necessary for initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in delivering comprehensive practical nursing care to variable patient populations. The LVN demonstrates excellent ability to balance many competing demands and sets priorities effectively, while supporting multiple providers. Has knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patients' conditions. Demonstrates competency in dealing with a high volume of patients with chronic disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac and pulmonary disease), as well as acute episodes of illness. Completed work requires a general review by a Registered Nurse for appropriateness and conformity with established policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.
• Proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• GS-3 Licensed Vocational Nurse: None beyond the basic requirements.
• GS-4 Licensed Vocational Nurse: Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration; or Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures.
• GS-5 Licensed Vocational Nurse: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-04 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-04 LPN/LVN.
• GS-6 Licensed Vocational Nurse: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-05 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

Nice To Haves

• Current Basic Life Support provider card
• Ambulatory care clinic experience
• Specialty clinic experience preferred

Responsibilities

• On an ongoing basis, provides quality care to patients with multi-system problems, including seriously- and chronically-ill patients.
• Has knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures.
• Consistently distinguishes, evaluates, and reports subtle changes in patient status, and initiates appropriate action.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines and ability to plan patient care and set priorities.
• Observes, identifies, and responds to patients' needs for care, including medication and equipment-assisted care, and recognizes deviations from normal.
• Observes, identifies, and responds to patient/family education needs, and teaches in accordance with current clinical practice standards.
• Has knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff.
• Accurately recognizes, reports, and records relevant patient information.
• Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills.
• Adheres to principles of infection control.
• Assists in promoting safe work habits and is a role model for other staff in fostering safety principles and practices.
• Serves as preceptor in orienting, teaching, and training less experienced LVNs and NAs/HTs.
• Contributes to smooth operation of clinic by consistently ensuring that support and administrative tasks are carried out.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree