Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Olean, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Affairs Western New York Health Care System is hiring one full-time Primary Care Licensed Practical Nurse for the Olean Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Olean, New York. The LPN works in specialty clinic and laboratory/phlebotomy settings within the outpatient clinic, as directed by the Nurse Manager. The role requires knowledge of a variety of health issues and the ability to address nursing problems, advocate for patients, provide patient and family education, and document care in the medical record. The LPN is expected to provide outstanding customer service and interact professionally and courteously with patients, families, and staff.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student-loan payment reimbursement program. Eligibility is subject to VHA policy and requires submitting an application within four months of appointment. The VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office determines approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) after reviewing the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. The position is not virtual, telework is unavailable, and relocation or recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The work schedule is a variable day shift.

The role requires graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing school and full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Grade-level qualification criteria vary from GS-3 through GS-6 and include applicable qualifying experience, nursing care knowledge, judgment, patient education, medication administration, emergency response, documentation, and—in higher grades—ability to manage care with general RN or physician review and support complex diagnostic procedures. One year of ambulatory care or acute medical/surgical LPN experience is preferred.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• 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, 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 competency qualifications for the grade sought: GS-3 requires no qualifications beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires one of the specified experience or education pathways; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-4 or equivalent and the stated nursing competencies; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-5 or equivalent and the stated competencies.
• Complete required pre-employment processes, including applicable urinalysis, background/security investigation, online onboarding, acceptable identification, and a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Submit all application requirements detailed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.

Nice To Haves

• One year of ambulatory care or acute medical/surgical LPN experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide and assist with nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse or medical provider, following established policies and procedures.
• Complete routine daily assignments in a timely manner and obtain appropriate supplies and equipment for patient care.
• Assist with simple diagnostic measures, including collecting urine and stool specimens and collecting or testing other specimens as instructed.
• Assist with appropriate actions during emergency situations.
• Administer medications in accordance with policies and procedures; clarify orders as needed, identify the need for PRN medications, document responses and medication administration in the electronic health record, and report medication effects.
• Recognize and promptly report pertinent information about patients’ conditions and the care environment to the registered nurse.
• Legibly and accurately document current patient status and other pertinent information in appropriate flow sheets and the electronic health record.
• Use proper body mechanics, lifting and protective devices, and required protective equipment to prevent injury to patients and self.
• Participate in the unit’s performance-improvement initiatives.
• Provide patient and family education and advocate for patients.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student-loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and program approval; award amount up to $200,000 and eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential 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