Specialty Licensed Vocational Nurse-North Santa Rosa

Veterans Health Administration • Santa Rosa, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Specialty Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides direct patient care and clinical support to Veterans receiving specialty outpatient services at the North Santa Rosa VA Outpatient Clinic. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), provider, or other authorized healthcare professional, the LVN assists with patient assessments, vital sign monitoring, medication administration within the scope of licensure, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and patient education.

The LVN supports the coordination and delivery of safe, timely, and quality healthcare services while ensuring compliance with VA policies, established clinical protocols, infection control standards, and patient safety requirements. The LVN works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote continuity of care and improve health outcomes for Veterans.

This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until December 11, 2026. The initial referral cut-off date is October 28, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks. Applications received after the initial date will be accepted on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-6. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. Recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility requirements and submission of an application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible. The position also offers federal benefits, including a pension and federal 401(k), insurance options, and other benefits described in the announcement.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately approved or accredited school of practical or vocational nursing, or an applicable stated education exception.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; an applicable grandfathering provision may apply to eligible current VHA employees.
• Meet the qualification criteria for the selected grade: GS-3 requires no qualifications beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires one of the specified combinations of qualifying experience and education; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-4 or equivalent and the listed practical nursing knowledge and abilities; GS-6 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-5 or equivalent and the listed patient-care, judgment, emergency response, communication, diagnostic-support, and professional-development abilities.
• Must complete pre-employment requirements, including applicable background/security investigation, onboarding, and drug screening for testing-designated positions.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the agency’s evaluation and written certification for continued employment.
• Physical ability and sensory requirements include correctable visual acuity to 20/40, hearing distinctive speech correctable to 20 dB, and manual dexterity for procedures and computer use; the role may require prolonged walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and transferring patients or objects.
• Must be able to work effectively in stressful situations and shift priorities based on patient needs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with specialty and outpatient care.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document vital signs, height, weight, pain levels, and other clinical information to support patient evaluation and treatment.
• Assist healthcare providers with specialty examinations, treatments, minor procedures, and diagnostic testing within LVN licensure and VA protocols.
• Administer prescribed medications, injections, immunizations, and treatments as authorized by applicable regulations, VA policies, and clinical procedures.
• Prepare examination rooms, medical equipment, and supplies for patient appointments and specialty procedures.
• Monitor patients before, during, and after examinations or treatments; recognize changes in condition and promptly report abnormal findings or concerns.
• Review patient records and verify clinical information, including medication lists, allergies, and required documentation.
• Educate patients about treatments, medications, preparation for specialty appointments, follow-up instructions, and preventive healthcare within scope of practice.
• Coordinate patient appointments, referrals, diagnostic testing, and follow-up care with specialty providers and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Document nursing care, treatments, patient responses, and clinical observations accurately and promptly in the VA electronic health record system.
• Perform infection prevention and control procedures, including hand hygiene, equipment disinfection, proper handling of supplies, and standard precautions.
• Report changes in patient status, safety concerns, medication discrepancies, and other clinical issues to the supervising RN or healthcare provider.
• Assist with emergency response activities within training and clinic procedures, including obtaining emergency equipment and notifying appropriate personnel.
• Maintain medical equipment and supplies, monitor inventory, and report malfunctions or shortages.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with potential student loan reimbursement up to $200,000, subject to program approval and eligibility.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on qualifications or VA needs.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child care subsidy eligibility for qualifying full-time employees after 60 days, subject to income, child eligibility, and program limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting.
• 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.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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