Licensed Vocational Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Beaumont, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) serves as a generalist supporting Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), specialty teams, and mental health teams at the MEDVAMC and Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Under the direct supervision and minimal observation of a registered nurse or provider, the LVN provides a wide range of clinical services to Veterans, applying complex clinical judgment and the 10 Caritas processes in clinical practice.

The role includes direct patient care, performing and recording assigned nursing procedures and treatments, responding to changes in patient condition, and supporting diagnostic procedures. The LVN contributes to patient and family education, emergency response, infection control, equipment readiness, and a safe therapeutic environment. The full performance level is GS-06; applicants may be selected at GS-03 through GS-06. Positions are located at VA facilities and clinics in Houston and other listed Texas communities.

The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours, weekends, and rotating holidays may be required depending on location and facility needs. Telework and virtual work are not available. The work is performed in an office or clinic setting and may involve stressful situations and multiple tasks. Physical demands may include lifting and carrying 50 pounds or more, pushing, pulling, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and use of fine motor skills.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for noncitizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Graduation from a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by NLNAC, or a stated qualifying education exception.
• Full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-04: 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-05: at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent, plus the stated competencies in practical nursing care, teamwork and orientation, patient and family education, customer service, medication preparation and administration, documentation, emergency response, and reporting equipment or safety issues.
• For GS-06: at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-05 or equivalent, meeting GS-05 performance requirements, plus the stated competencies in patient care judgment, medication and treatment administration, observation and reporting, emergency response, patient and family relationships, privacy and dignity, customer service, support of complex diagnostic procedures, precepting, and continued learning.
• Meet applicable grade-specific qualifications; the actual selection grade may range from GS-03 to GS-06.
• Pass required pre-employment screening, including a physical evaluation and background/security investigation; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-employment urinalysis.
• Complete onboarding and application documentation requirements, and meet applicable identification requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Physical ability to perform the stated job demands, which may include heavy lifting and carrying, pushing, pulling, walking, standing, reaching, bending, dexterity, vision, color distinction, depth perception, and hearing.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing.
• Submit a transcript if relying on education to qualify; foreign education requires the stated equivalency documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of current LVN experience.
• Prior clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and implement nursing interventions to assist the provider.
• Prioritize patient care activities and identify and report significant changes in a patient's condition to the provider, RN Care Coordinator, or charge nurse.
• Perform and record assigned nursing care, including vital signs and pain assessment, dressing changes, oxygen administration, intake and output monitoring, pulmonary hygiene and drainage, medication administration, delegated procedures and treatments, specimen collection, tube or gastrostomy feeding, colostomy care, allergy screening, EKGs, and clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts.
• Perform complex therapeutic procedures with regular observation and guidance from the RN Care Coordinator or charge nurse, including urinary catheterization, bladder instillations, tracheal suctioning, phlebotomy, and administration of premixed IV piggybacks.
• Assist with minor procedures by obtaining and arranging equipment, positioning the patient, and ensuring comfort and privacy.
• Recognize acute patient distress and initiate appropriate emergency interventions.
• Perform patient screening and preventive therapy as prescribed by Clinical Practice Guidelines and through Clinical Reminders.
• Maintain equipment and a therapeutic environment to prevent injury to self and others.
• Follow infection control policies for cleaning and processing reusable medical equipment and prepare equipment according to facility procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
• Follow established safety, employee health, workers' compensation, and personal protective equipment policies.
• Administer medications according to VAMC policy and therapeutic methods.
• Provide patient and family health education based on patient goals.
• Demonstrate positive and courteous conduct in interactions with patients, customers, and staff.
• At applicable grade levels, orient, train, and precept less experienced LPNs/LVNs, nursing assistants, or health technicians.
• Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and share new knowledge with staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may receive a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income, child eligibility, and program limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be available depending on the selected location.
• Relocation assistance is not authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree