Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Springfield, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct outpatient care to adult through geriatric Veterans in PACT and Medical Specialty clinics for acute and chronic diseases. The role supports quality health care, positive customer service, chronic disease education, and quality of life. The LPN recognizes age-related needs and provides care appropriate to patients’ age groups, with minimal supervision from a registered nurse or provider for screening and follow-through activities.

The position requires observing and reporting changes in patients’ physical and emotional conditions; conducting health history screenings; implementing basic and advanced LPN procedures under applicable policies; educating patients about prevention, healthier lifestyles, functionality, and disease management; and responding appropriately to urgent and emergency needs. The nurse adjusts care and procedure sequence according to patient condition and distinguishes normal aging changes from pathological changes. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The position is not telework or virtual, and the full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-6.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved or appropriately accredited school of practical or vocational nursing, or meet the stated military-training or licensure-jurisdiction alternatives.
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted practical or vocational nursing license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• GS-4 qualification: six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; or approved nursing-school graduation plus one year of qualifying nursing-care work; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months’ duration.
• GS-5 qualification: at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent, including practical nursing care, patient and family education, teamwork and customer service, medication preparation and administration, documentation and observation, and response to emergencies and safety issues.
• GS-6 qualification: at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, meeting GS-5 performance requirements and demonstrating proficient patient care, clinical judgment, medication and treatment administration, patient education, emergency response, customer service, support for complex diagnostic tests or specialized procedures, and precepting or training duties.
• Applicants qualifying through education must submit transcripts; a copy of the nursing license is required.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and applicable background/security investigation; selected applicants must complete onboarding requirements.
• Subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of VA employment.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Nice To Haves

• Two to three years of Primary Care experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct outpatient care to adult through geriatric Veterans with acute and chronic diseases in PACT and Medical Specialty clinics.
• Recognize age-related needs and provide care appropriate to patients’ age groups.
• Observe and report changes in patients’ physical and emotional conditions using nursing-process elements, clinical measurements, screening protocols, and prescribed history taking.
• Perform health history screenings using pre-formatted documentation, such as ambulatory care 10-10, prevention notes, and clinical reminders.
• Screen, intervene, and follow through on acute and chronic medical and emotional conditions with minimal supervision from a registered nurse or provider.
• Implement basic and advanced LPN procedures as defined by policies and procedures.
• Educate patients and document education regarding prevention, healthier lifestyles, functionality, and disease management.
• Distinguish normal changes associated with aging from pathological changes.
• Recognize priorities and adjust patient care accordingly, including varying the order and sequence of procedures based on the patient’s condition.
• Deliver timely patient care according to approved policies and procedures.
• Recognize and appropriately intervene for urgent and emergency patient needs.
• Continue improving in recognizing, assessing, and intervening in acute and chronic medical conditions and minor surgical conditions.
• At GS-5/GS-6 levels, prepare, administer, and document prescribed medications and treatments as permitted by policy; observe and report patient responses or changes to an RN or physician.
• At GS-5/GS-6 levels, assist with emergency measures and resuscitation procedures when indicated, and report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
• At GS-6 level, support complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures, including preparing patients, assisting with examinations, handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.
• At GS-5/GS-6 levels, orient, educate, train, or precept less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians as specified for the grade.
• At GS-6 level, seek educational opportunities and share gained knowledge to improve nursing practice.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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