Practical Nurse - Domiciliary

Veterans Health Administration • Butler, PA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Butler VA Healthcare System is hiring a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for its Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP). The nurse provides direct care to adult Veterans, administers medications and treatments, supports rehabilitation and recovery, and collaborates with an interdisciplinary treatment team to promote patient well-being. The role includes work at either of the two VA Butler Healthcare System sites when needed, such as during emergencies, staffing shortages, or special projects.

The LPN assesses and responds to patients’ physical and emotional needs, observes and documents changes in condition and responses to care, and provides patient and family education. The nurse helps develop rehabilitation goals, supports therapeutic and recreational activities, maintains therapeutic relationships, and contributes to safe, respectful care. The position requires sound clinical judgment, the ability to prioritize and adjust care, and the ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and potentially aggressive behavior.

Work schedule: 1:30 p.m. to midnight, with rotating weekends and holidays. Compressed or flexible scheduling is not authorized. Telework is unavailable; this is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station is not authorized.

Requirements

• Full, active, current, unrestricted practical or vocational nurse licensure in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.
• Graduation from an approved school of practical or vocational nursing, or qualifying military nursing education or training accepted by the licensing jurisdiction.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the physical standards for the position and pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• For GS-4 qualification, six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; or graduation from an approved school plus one year of qualifying nursing-care experience; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months’ duration.
• For GS-5 qualification, one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent, with demonstrated practical nursing care, patient and family education, medication preparation and administration, emergency response, and teamwork skills.
• For GS-6 qualification, one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, meeting GS-5 requirements and demonstrating the ability to provide care to varied patient populations, use judgment, recognize and report changes, carry out treatments, respond to urgent situations, and support complex tests or procedures.
• Clinical procedure competencies, such as IV competency where applicable, must be validated and certified through education or on-the-job training.
• Complete required onboarding and application documentation and undergo the required background/security investigation.
• Submit to urinalysis for illegal drug screening if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of VA employment.
• Register with Selective Service if applicable to male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Responsibilities

• Use clinical judgment to prioritize assignments according to patient condition and care needs.
• Plan and provide nursing care with consideration for patients’ physical, social, emotional, cultural, and age-related factors.
• Recognize changes or deviations in patients’ mental and physical conditions and respond appropriately, including initiating lifesaving measures when needed.
• Prepare and administer medications and treatments according to applicable policies and procedures; understand medication actions and side effects and document patient responses.
• Provide age-appropriate care to adults age 18 and over, including consideration of the effects of substance-use problems on physical health.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and assist with developing rehabilitative treatment goals for MHRRTP patients.
• Provide escorts for Veterans when their care needs require it.
• Provide nursing care at either of the two VA Butler Healthcare System sites as needed for emergencies, staffing shortages, or special projects.
• Use verbal interventions and preventive tactics when responding to aggressive or potentially assaultive patients; participate in planning or implementing 911 or one-to-one services as appropriate.
• Co-conduct groups that educate patients about medical aspects of their care and support emotional expression, socialization, and self-esteem.
• Adapt patient and family teaching methods to individual needs and assist professional nurses and allied health professionals with educational and recreational activities.
• Encourage patients to participate in learning and recreational activities that support quality of life.
• Identify patient-care management problems and suggest changes; adjust assignments and prioritize care based on team workload and patient needs.
• Communicate calmly, reassuringly, and respectfully with residents, families, and visitors; establish therapeutic relationships and promote positive communication and social skills.
• Observe MHRRTP residents according to program guidelines and more frequently when clinically indicated; document responses to treatment plans, group therapy, education, and other activities.
• Recognize and report signs of physical or emotional abuse.
• Demonstrate leadership with less experienced LPNs, social service assistants, and health technicians in planning and implementing care, and assist team members in managing difficult patients when serving as team leader.
• Recognize safety hazards, equipment problems, or supply deficiencies and report them to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, subject to position eligibility.
• Potential credit for prior federal employment or military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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