Practical Nurse (PACT)

Veterans Health Administration • Tampa, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and/or providers as part of a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and the Compensation and Pension (C&P) clinic. They support patient-centered care and disability examination services for Veterans. The LPN performs complex practical nursing assignments using substantial knowledge and skill, under close supervision and with appropriate training and competencies for assigned tasks.

The role includes observing and documenting changes in Veterans’ physical and emotional condition, assisting with care prioritization and plan adjustments, administering prescribed medications and treatments, and supporting Veterans and their families in promoting healthy lifestyles. The LPN also contributes to care-plan development, helps improve nursing practice, mentors staff in complex technologies and procedures, and upholds VA nursing standards and ethical expectations.

This is a permanent position. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, with the shift varying based on team-lead assignment. A one- or two-year trial period is required. Applicants must meet the stated citizenship, English proficiency, education, licensure, screening, physical readiness, and other employment conditions.

Requirements

• Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Graduation from a practical or vocational nursing program approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by NLNAC, subject to the stated military-training and licensure exceptions.
• At least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent, meeting GS-06 LPN/LVN performance requirements, for the GS-07 grade.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and maintain CDT physical readiness; must be able to meet the position’s physical demands.
• Must complete required background/security investigation, drug screening when applicable, online onboarding, and application documentation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities before accepting a final employment offer.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Physical ability to perform essential duties, which may include carrying people and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, prolonged standing, bending, and stooping.

Nice To Haves

• Two to three years of LPN/LVN experience related to the area of deployment.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Responsibilities

• Use independent technical judgment and comprehensive practical nursing knowledge to perform complex or difficult nursing practices and procedures.
• Assist the RN and/or provider in prioritizing Veterans’ care needs and adjusting care-delivery plans.
• Recognize subtle physical and emotional changes in Veterans’ conditions, inform the RN and/or provider, take appropriate action, and accurately document care and responses.
• Recognize potential or actual drug reactions, promptly report observed changes, and initiate appropriate prescribed interventions.
• Help Veterans, families, and caregivers take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles and positive outcomes.
• Communicate effectively with Veterans, families, and caregivers who may be difficult to engage or may exhibit resistant, abusive, or otherwise challenging behaviors.
• Assist the RN and/or provider with medication and treatment needs; administer prescribed medications and treatments according to policy and procedure, and record administration and responses.
• Incorporate current Veteran-care information into the development and modification of care plans and carry out assigned nursing interventions.
• Seek educational opportunities and help other staff improve their nursing knowledge and practice.
• Serve as a role model and mentor, guiding other nursing staff in the use of complex technology and related practice.
• Maintain ethical standards and accountability while providing care in accordance with nursing procedures, standards of care, VA ethical standards, and the plan of care.
• Support the RN or provider in monitoring the patient-care practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Potential child care subsidy after 60 days of employment for eligible full-time employees and eligible families.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed