Float Licensed Vocational Nurse (Outpatient Primary Care)

Veterans Health Administration•San Antonio, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Float Outpatient Primary Care Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) provides clinical support to Primary Care clinics in the San Antonio area. The nurse provides foundational, patient-centered nursing care under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse (RN) or provider, supporting safe, efficient clinical operations and high-quality care within the healthcare team. The role includes providing care to variable patient populations, administering prescribed medications and treatments, observing and documenting patient responses, and reporting changes in condition. The LVN supports complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures, including preparing patients and equipment, assisting with examinations, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures. The position also includes orienting and training less experienced staff and pursuing educational opportunities to advance nursing practice. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Telework is ad hoc only, as determined by agency policy; this is not a virtual position. The role may require flexibility in scheduling and assignments and involves physical activity associated with direct patient care, including prolonged walking, standing, and sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending or kneeling, and assisting patients using safe patient-handling and mobility protocols.

Requirements

Graduate from a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), subject to stated exceptions.
Hold full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; stated grandfathering provisions may apply to eligible current VHA employees.
Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
Be proficient in written and spoken English.
Meet the experience and qualification requirements for the grade sought: GS-3 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, or an approved nursing-school graduation plus one year of qualifying nursing-care work, or graduation from an approved school program of at least 24 months; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-4 level or equivalent and the stated knowledge, skills, and abilities; GS-6 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-5 level or equivalent and the stated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Demonstrate the applicable grade-level knowledge and skills, including practical nursing care, medication administration and documentation, patient education, teamwork and customer service, recognition of emergencies, and support for diagnostic or specialized procedures, as applicable to the selected grade.
Complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding; selected applicants may be subject to urinalysis, a physical examination depending on organizational needs, and seasonal influenza vaccination.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
Provide required application documents and acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

Three years of recent LVN nursing experience.
Recent experience in an emergency room, acute care, ICU, or medical-surgical setting.
Recent experience in a PACT/Primary Care clinic or specialty clinic.
Proficient technical skills.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
BLS certification.

Responsibilities

Provide patient-centered nursing care to patients in Primary Care clinics across the San Antonio area under the direction of an RN or provider.
Carry out assigned patient care based on patients’ conditions, using judgment to sequence procedures and treatments and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant information.
Observe, identify, and respond to patient care needs, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient and family education.
Prepare and administer prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures.
Monitor and document physical or emotional changes related to medications or treatments and report deviations from normal to an RN or provider.
Recognize urgent or emergent situations, seek assistance, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
Build constructive relationships with patients and families, supporting effective communication, socialization, privacy, dignity, and patient and family rights.
Apply established customer service standards when interacting with patients, families, and internal or external customers.
Support complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, preparing and handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.
Precept, orient, educate, and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians in support duties for complex tests and procedures.
Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and share new knowledge with staff.
Perform direct patient care duties that may involve prolonged walking, standing, or sitting; moderate lifting; repeated bending or kneeling; and safe patient handling and mobility assistance.