Licensed Vocational Nurse (Outpatient Primary Care)

Veterans Health Administration • San Antonio, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides technically proficient, patient-centered nursing care at the South Bexar Outpatient Clinic under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse (RN) or provider. The role supports safe, efficient clinic operations and high-quality care as part of the healthcare team. The position’s full performance level is GS-6, and applicants may be selected at grades GS-3 through GS-6.

At GS-3 and GS-4, the LVN provides foundational nursing care under direct or general supervision, conducting structured health screenings and basic nursing interventions while supporting patient safety, education, clinic flow, and continuity of care. Duties include preventive procedures, chart reviews, panel scrubbing, huddles, visit preparation, rooming patients, taking vital signs, completing clinical reminders, assisting providers, preparing exam rooms, and making pre-visit calls. The LVN also participates in PACT operations and workflows.

At GS-5, the LVN performs a broader range of practical nursing duties, some of which may require higher-level review. The role includes orienting and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs and Nursing Assistants/Health Technicians, managing clinic operations, supporting appointment and consult tracking, and helping with post-discharge calls.

At GS-6, the LVN provides care with advanced judgment and minimal supervision, choosing appropriate procedures and their sequence, and accurately recognizing and reporting patient findings. The LVN may support complex diagnostic or specialized procedures, including patient preparation, instrumentation, and monitoring, and serves as a preceptor for less experienced staff.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with weekends as needed. Telework is ad hoc only, subject to agency policy; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position requires graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing program and full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to stated exceptions. Grade-specific experience and competency requirements apply.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Graduate from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency or accredited by NLNAC when the program was completed, subject to the listed education exceptions.
• Hold full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated grandfathering provision.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• GS-3: No grade-specific requirements beyond the basic requirements.
• GS-4: Six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; or graduation from an approved school plus one year of nursing-care work experience in a supervised care facility; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months’ duration.
• GS-5: At least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent, plus demonstrated practical nursing knowledge and skills, including patient care, training less experienced staff, patient/family education, teamwork and customer service, medication administration and documentation, emergency response, and recognition and reporting of equipment or safety issues.
• GS-6: At least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, plus demonstrated clinical proficiency and judgment, patient assessment and documentation, medication administration and treatment, emergency response, communication and relationship-building, respect for patient privacy and dignity, customer service, support for complex diagnostic or specialized procedures, precepting, and ongoing learning.
• Preferred experience includes three years of LVN experience; Primary Care Clinic PACT or Patient Centered Medical Home experience; recent patient care within five years; excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; and proficient computer skills.
• May be subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use, background/security investigation, and a physical examination depending on organizational needs.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• A one- or two-year trial period is required; continued employment is contingent on written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Applicants using foreign education to meet qualification requirements must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with their transcript.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of LVN experience.
• Experience in a Primary Care Clinic PACT or Patient Centered Medical Home.
• Recent patient care experience within the past five years.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-centered nursing care under the supervision of an RN or provider, according to the selected grade’s scope and level of oversight.
• Conduct structured or focused health screenings and basic nursing interventions, and support patient safety and clinic flow.
• Complete preventive procedures, routine nursing tasks, chart reviews, panel scrubbing, daily huddles, and visit preparation.
• Room patients, collect vital signs, complete clinical reminders, assist providers with procedures, and prepare, turn over, stock, and maintain exam rooms.
• Make pre-visit calls, reinforce instructions, and help ensure patients bring relevant health information.
• Review upcoming appointments, support schedule management and alternate care modalities, track consults, and provide backup for routine post-discharge calls.
• Participate in PACT meetings, activities, and workflows to support coordination, continuity, and quality of care.
• Review medications and allergies, recognize urgent needs, initiate approved protocols, and report relevant findings to an RN or provider.
• Provide patient education and health coaching; manage secure messages and follow up with patients who miss appointments.
• Assist with immunizations, injections, procedures, and prevention activities, and serve as a chaperone when appropriate and within competency limits.
• Prepare patients for complex diagnostic or specialized procedures, assist with examinations, prepare and handle specialized instruments or equipment, and monitor patients before, during, and after procedures, as applicable to grade and assignment.
• At GS-5 and GS-6, orient, train, or precept less experienced LPNs/LVNs and Nursing Assistants/Health Technicians.
• Maintain an organized clinical environment, manage supplies, and complete required quality checks.
• Support patient care planning and Whole Health principles, including shared decision-making and collaborative care.
• Recognize and report medication responses, changes in patient condition, equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or supply deficiencies; seek assistance and initiate or assist with emergency measures as appropriate to grade and assignment.
• Seek educational opportunities to develop nursing skills and share new knowledge with staff, as applicable to grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other conditions.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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