Licensed Vocational Nurse-Behavioral Health-Education Debt Reduction Program

Veterans Health Administration • Las Cruces, NM

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) provides practical nursing care in support of quality health care, positive customer service, and a Veteran-centered environment. The nurse is accountable for their individual nursing practice and performs assigned duties under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee. Duties require technical competence in caring for variable patient populations, applying judgment to sequence procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and documenting relevant patient information.

The position supports daily operations in Behavioral Health clinics at the El Paso VA Health Care System and may also cover other clinics, including primary care, neurology, urology, cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and community-based outpatient clinics. The LVN screens patients, takes vital signs and documents reasons for visits, completes clinical reminders, administers medications and immunizations, responds to and routes patient messages, performs dressing changes, and assists providers. Blood pressure and glucose checks are performed as ordered. Clinical documentation is entered into the electronic patient record, with security protocols followed. The nurse may float between clinic locations and must be able to safely operate an authorized government vehicle when travel between sites is required. Training and competencies will be provided for assigned duties.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Ad hoc telework may be available in accordance with agency policy and completion of required training and agreements; this is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-06, with selection possible at GS-03 through GS-06.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. An application must be submitted within four months of appointment. The program office determines the award amount, up to $200,000, and eligibility period of one to five years. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• Graduate from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by NLNAC at the time of completion, subject to stated exceptions.
• Hold full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Possess a valid, current driver's license.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Complete a background/security investigation and required online onboarding and application documentation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Meet the experience and grade requirements applicable to the selected grade; GS-03 has no requirements beyond the basic requirements, while higher grades require qualifying experience and demonstrated nursing knowledge and skills.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Safely operate a government vehicle when authorized and required to travel between clinic locations.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of ambulatory Behavioral Health nursing experience in BHIP/PACT settings.
• Experience with medication administration and monitoring in outpatient Behavioral Health.
• Experience providing patient education, medication support, and crisis awareness.
• Experience working with patients with complex mental health conditions.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating within an interdisciplinary care team.
• Flexibility and adaptability, including comfort floating between different clinics.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical nursing care to variable patient populations while working under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee.
• Support daily operations of Behavioral Health clinics and other assigned clinics, including floating to other clinic locations when needed.
• Screen patients, take vital signs, and document the reason for seeking care.
• Complete clinical reminders and enter clinical documentation in the electronic patient record while following security protocols.
• Administer medications by oral, intramuscular, and topical routes, and administer immunizations.
• Conduct blood pressure and glucose checks as ordered by provider staff.
• Handle patient calls and route and follow up on patient messages.
• Perform dressing changes and assist providers.
• Recognize, report, and record relevant patient information and changes in patient condition.
• Safely operate an authorized government vehicle to travel between clinic locations when required.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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