Licensed Vocational Nurse - Women's Health (PACT)

Veterans Health Administration • Temple, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides practical nursing care to Veterans with a range of physical and behavioral health needs, within the scope of licensure and facility policies. The position is part of the VA’s Whole Health System of Care, which emphasizes interdisciplinary, holistic care and supports Veterans’ health and wellbeing, including self-care and complementary and integrative health approaches. The LVN works collaboratively with registered nurses, physicians, and other members of the care team. Duties and complexity vary by grade and experience; the full performance level is GS-06, and selection may be at GS-03 through GS-06.

The LVN administers and documents prescribed medications and treatments, monitors and reports changes in patient condition, provides education to patients and families, supports diagnostic tests and specialized procedures, and responds to urgent or emergency situations. The role also requires maintaining patient privacy and dignity, following computer-security and information-protection requirements, and helping ensure a safe care environment.

This is a full-time position with a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and application requirements. EDRP awards may be up to $200,000, with eligibility periods of one to five years, as determined by the program office after review.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing school, or meet an applicable education exception described in the announcement.
• 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, unless eligible under the stated grandfathering provision.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Meet grade-specific qualification criteria: GS-03 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, or an eligible combination of approved education and nursing-care experience, or graduation from an approved program of at least 24 months; GS-05 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent; GS-06 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-05 or equivalent and fulfillment of GS-05 performance requirements.
• Demonstrate practical nursing knowledge and skills appropriate to the selected grade, including patient care, medication administration and documentation, monitoring and reporting patient changes, patient/family education, emergency response, and support for diagnostic procedures where required by grade.
• Complete required application and onboarding documentation, background/security investigation, and pre-employment medical evaluation; applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-employment urinalysis.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after the trial period.
• Submit a transcript with the application if relying on education to meet qualification requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of Lean Belt training or experience.
• Charge Nurse or preceptor experience.
• Professional Governance participation.
• Other role-related technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical nursing care to Veterans with physical and/or behavioral health needs within licensure and facility policies; escalate changes in condition to an RN or provider.
• Educate patients and families about common disease processes, medications, and prescribed treatment regimens.
• Administer prescribed medications and perform treatments; accurately document care and patient responses and promptly report deviations from expected outcomes.
• Recognize urgent or emergency situations, seek RN or provider assistance, and initiate appropriate emergency measures, including assisting with resuscitation during cardiac or pulmonary arrest.
• Support diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting during examinations, handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.
• Build constructive relationships and communicate courteously and professionally with patients, families, and internal and external customers.
• Safeguard patient privacy and dignity in care delivery and documentation.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, and take appropriate action to maintain a safe care environment.
• Incorporate age, development, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors into care planning and delivery for adults aged 18 and older.
• Maintain computer security and protect sensitive patient information in accordance with applicable laws, VA policy, and VHA guidelines.
• At applicable grade levels, help orient, educate, and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians, and share new nursing knowledge with staff.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years.
• 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.
• 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.
• Child-care subsidy potentially available after 60 days for eligible full-time employees, subject to income and other eligibility limits; subsidy may cover up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, up to the stated monthly maximum.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term-care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Selected applicants may qualify to request credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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