Licensed Vocational Nurse - HDOM

Veterans Health Administration • Dallas, TX

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA North Texas Health Care System is hiring a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse for the Homeless Domiciliary (HDOM) in Dallas, Texas. The position provides practical nursing care in accordance with established policies, procedures, and techniques, with nursing-care guidance available in procedure manuals. The position’s full-performance level is GS-06; applicants may be selected at grades GS-03 through GS-06. Work is completed under the general supervision of an RN or physician, with the level of review depending on grade and complexity of duties.

The nurse provides care to Veterans in the HDOM, documents care in CPRS, administers medications permitted by local policy, observes and reports changes in condition, and collaborates with the nursing and interdisciplinary teams. The role may require working in other units, including community-based outpatient clinics, to support continuity of care.

The schedule consists of 12-hour day and evening shifts. Other shifts, on-call duty, weekends, or holidays may be required according to patient-care and service needs. Telework and virtual work are not authorized. The announcement states that a recruitment incentive, relocation assistance, and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing school, subject to the listed education exceptions.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated grandfathering provision for qualifying current VHA employees.
• Meet the grade-specific qualification requirements: GS-03 requires no additional qualifications beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires qualifying experience or qualifying education and experience; GS-05 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent and the specified practical nursing knowledge and abilities; GS-06 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-05 or equivalent and the specified higher-level nursing competencies.
• Ability to provide practical nursing care, observe and document patient information, administer and document medications as permitted, recognize and respond to urgent situations, and report changes or safety concerns to appropriate personnel, as applicable to the selected grade.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and, as service needs require, other shifts, on-call duty, weekends, or holidays.
• Must be willing to work in other units, including community-based outpatient clinics, if operational needs require.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Meet pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, required identification, and online onboarding.
• Submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete the application requirements listed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Three to five years of experience in a hospital-based observation unit or similar fast-paced clinical environment.
• Three to five years of experience caring for patients with complex or rapidly changing medical conditions.
• Three to five years of experience administering medications in high-volume or time-sensitive settings.
• Three to five years of experience using electronic health records, including CPRS documentation and order review.
• Three to five years of experience in a team nursing model supporting RNs with assessments, discharges, and patient flow.
• Three to five years of experience providing care or support to patients with mental health needs in outpatient or inpatient services.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document vital signs, neurological checks, circulatory assessments, and intake/output measurements.
• Observe patients and report changes in condition to the RN or provider.
• Provide supportive, therapeutic interactions that preserve each Veteran’s dignity and respect.
• Administer permitted oral, topical, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications according to facility policy.
• Monitor and document patient responses to medications and promptly report abnormalities.
• Use clinical judgment to prioritize daily care tasks based on patient needs and changing unit conditions.
• Assist with updating care plans as directed by the RN or provider.
• Recognize urgent situations, seek assistance from licensed personnel, and initiate appropriate interventions as directed.
• Accurately document patient-care activities in CPRS.
• Report equipment malfunctions, environmental safety hazards, and supply shortages to appropriate personnel.
• Educate Veterans and families about medications, basic care expectations, and safety practices.
• Support an environment of trust, positive communication, and therapeutic engagement.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff as a responsible member of the nursing team.
• Assist in orienting and supporting new LVNs and support staff as assigned.
• Participate in ongoing training to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Work assigned shifts, which may include weekends, holidays, other shifts, or on-call duty based on service needs.
• Adjust to changing operational demands and, when needed, work in other units to support continuity of care.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• 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.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a child-care subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other conditions; the announcement lists a maximum of $416.66 per month.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term-care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.

What This Job Offers

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