Practical Nurse - Ambulatory Care

Veterans Health Administration • Langley AFB, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) reports to the designated Nurse Manager and is responsible for providing quality nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran patient population. The LPN performs practical nursing measures efficiently and in accordance with Medical Center policies and procedures and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the license. The position provides care to varied patient populations and requires the ability to identify and report technical issues that may affect work. The LPN completes assigned mandatory Medical Center training and assists in emergencies, including CPR, choking, and fire response.

Under the general supervision of a registered nurse (RN), the LPN administers medications, monitors and reports patients’ responses to medications and treatments, and provides personal care, diagnostic support, and treatments as directed. The LPN addresses patients’ physical comfort and emotional needs, recognizes deviations from normal, and encourages patients and families to participate in care. The role also involves supporting referrals and resources, managing priorities according to patient condition and treatment response, and completing work accurately and on time with limited supervision by the end of the tour.

The LPN communicates goals, objectives, and achievements to internal and external stakeholders, uses time effectively, and applies established customer service standards in interactions with Veterans, families, and other customers. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. The announcement is open to internal candidates only and may be used to fill multiple vacancies. The full-performance level is GS-6; the advertised selection range is GS-3 through GS-6.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Graduation from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by the NLNAC when the program was completed.
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the experience and qualification criteria for the selected grade: GS-3 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires one of the specified combinations of LPN/LVN experience, supervised nursing-care experience, or education; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent and the specified nursing knowledge and abilities.
• Ability to provide practical nursing care to patients with varied physical and/or behavioral problems; work appropriately with the nursing team and patients, families, and other care personnel; administer and document medications as permitted by local policy; observe and report changes in patient condition; recognize emergencies and assist with resuscitation; and report equipment, safety, or supply problems.
• Meet pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, required onboarding and identification documentation, and drug testing if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position.
• 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 subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Meet the stated physical requirements, including heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more, pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, specified vision and color-discrimination abilities, hearing without aid and hearing whispers, and mental and emotional stability.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of primary care experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran patient population in accordance with Medical Center policies, procedures, and the LPN’s legal and ethical scope of practice.
• Initiate, perform, and complete assigned nursing duties for varied patient populations, and report technical issues that could impede work.
• Complete mandatory Medical Center training as assigned.
• Assist during emergencies, including CPR, choking, and fire response, and obtain equipment and supplies as requested by an RN or physician.
• Administer medications accurately and promptly under the general supervision of an RN; observe and report medication effects and patient responses.
• Provide personal care, diagnostic support, and treatments under the direction of an RN and according to procedure.
• Respond to patients’ physical comfort and emotional needs and recognize problems or changes from normal.
• Encourage patients and families to participate in care and support the use of resources and referrals.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner, prioritize and adjust the sequence of nursing care based on patient condition and response to treatment, and work with limited supervision by the end of the tour.
• Communicate goals, objectives, and achievements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Use time effectively, seek assignments when work is complete, and complete tasks effectively, accurately, and on time.
• Apply established customer service standards in interactions with Veterans, family members, and internal or external customers.
• At the GS-5 level, help orient or train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and nursing assistants or health technicians, and educate patients or families about common diseases, medications, and prescribed treatments.
• Recognize equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or supply deficiencies and promptly report them to appropriate personnel.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Potential child care subsidy after 60 days of employment for eligible full-time employees and families meeting the stated income and eligibility requirements.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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