Licensed Vocational Nurse (Outpatient), Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration • San Antonio, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Primary Care Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) provides foundational, patient-centered nursing care under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse (RN) or provider. The role supports safe, efficient clinical operations and contributes to high-quality care within the healthcare team. Care is delivered according to established standards, hospital policies and procedures, and the care plan of other healthcare providers.

The LVN carries out practical nursing assignments, observes and responds to patient needs, and uses judgment to adjust the order and sequence of procedures according to patient condition and unit needs. The position accurately reports and records significant patient information and provides input to patient care plans in light of physical, emotional, and social factors. Completed work generally requires review by an RN for technical and clinical accuracy, appropriateness, and conformity with policy and nursing assignments.

The nurse uses sound judgment in applying the nursing process, works effectively with patients, families, and staff, and supports a learning environment by participating in new-employee orientation, providing feedback, and seeking opportunities for self-improvement. The work schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; tour of duty and location may change due to patient-care needs.

Requirements

• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to stated grandfathering provisions for eligible current VHA employees.
• Graduation from an approved school of practical or vocational nursing, or an applicable stated education exception.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-4: six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; or graduation from an approved school plus one year of qualifying nursing-care work; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months’ duration.
• For GS-5: at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent, plus the listed knowledge and abilities, including practical nursing care, patient and family education, teamwork, medication administration and documentation, emergency response, and recognition/reporting of equipment or safety issues.
• For GS-6: at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, plus the listed knowledge and abilities, including care for varied patient populations, appropriate sequencing of care, patient observation and reporting, medication administration, emergency response, effective patient and family relationships, customer service, support for complex diagnostic tests or specialized procedures, precepting, and ongoing learning.
• Meet applicable U.S. citizenship requirements; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Complete applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, onboarding, identification verification, and any required drug screening or physical evaluation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Record vital signs and obtain intake histories.
• Prepare and administer medications and immunizations.
• Assist physicians with physical examinations and procedures, including diabetic foot exams and female wellness exams.
• Clear annual clinical reminders and perform other duties as requested to meet patient needs and institutional performance measures.
• Provide nursing care in accordance with established standards, hospital policies and procedures, and the plan of other healthcare providers.
• Observe, identify, and respond to patients’ nursing needs; vary the order and sequence of procedures based on patient condition and reorganize workload based on unit needs.
• Accurately report and record significant patient information, including patient responses and changes in condition.
• Provide input for modifying patient care plans, considering physical, emotional, and social factors.
• Use sound judgment in applying the nursing process and work effectively with patients, families, and staff.
• Participate in orientation of new employees, provide feedback as appropriate, and pursue opportunities for self-improvement.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential 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 birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility conditions.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k), with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Regular salary increases.

What This Job Offers

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