Licensed Vocational Nurse - Domiciliary - EDRP

Veterans Health Administration • Temple, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse provides patient care in a domiciliary setting as part of the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System’s transition to the Whole Health System of Care. This approach emphasizes interdisciplinary, holistic care, self-care, well-being, and integrating conventional care with Complementary and Integrative Health approaches.

The LVN performs focused assessments, reports abnormal or significant findings, carries out assigned nursing procedures and treatments, administers medications within applicable policies and certification, and documents care and patient responses. The role includes supporting patient and family education, medication reconciliation, diagnostic procedures, and safe, respectful care. Work is under the general supervision of an RN or physician, with the level of oversight depending on the selected grade.

The position is full-time, with a schedule of 1530–2400 or 2330–0800 and rotating weekends and holidays. It is not virtual, telework is unavailable, and relocation assistance and a recruitment incentive are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program requirements, application review, and approval. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-6.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Graduation from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by ACEN/NLNAC at the time of completion, subject to applicable exceptions.
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the experience and competency requirements for the grade selected. GS-3 has no requirements beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 criteria include qualifying experience or specified education/experience; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-4 or equivalent and specified nursing competencies; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-5 or equivalent and specified competencies.
• Ability to perform practical nursing care, recognize and report changes in patient condition, administer and document medications and treatments within applicable policies, and respond appropriately to urgent or emergency situations, as required for the selected grade.
• Must complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must complete the required EDRP application within four months of appointment to be considered for program approval.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Perform and document focused patient assessments and report abnormal findings to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, and/or RN Team Leader.
• Carry out assigned patient care based on patient condition, selecting an appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information.
• Administer oxygen therapy and medications, including IV medication when certified and permitted; follow medication-administration standards and use the BCMA system.
• Complete clinical reminders and arrange appropriate consults and alerts; ensure medications and supplies are not expired and remove expired items from inventory.
• Perform delegated procedures and treatments, including EKGs and lab draws, and assist with minor procedures by preparing equipment and positioning patients while ensuring comfort and privacy.
• Collect and document visit data and nursing interventions in the applicable nursing note and CPRS; measure and record vital signs.
• Reinforce patient and family health education concerning self-management, prevention, wellness, disease processes, medications, and prescribed treatments; document the patient's response.
• Assist with medication reconciliation and notify the provider of changes.
• Report significant deviations in patient condition to the RN and/or healthcare provider immediately.
• Observe and document care and the patient's response, communicate information accurately and promptly, and use clear verbal and written communication.
• Recognize urgent or emergency situations, seek assistance, and assist with emergency measures and resuscitation as appropriate to role and direction.
• Recognize equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies and report them to appropriate personnel.
• Support complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, handling equipment, and monitoring patient condition before, during, and after procedures.
• Build constructive relationships with patients and families, respecting privacy and dignity and incorporating customer-service standards into care.
• Orient, educate, or train less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians as applicable to grade and assignment.
• Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and share relevant learning with staff.

Benefits

• EDRP student loan payment reimbursement program, subject to individual eligibility and approval; potential award up to $200,000 over an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child care subsidy may be available to eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to family income and program limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and 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 may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED