Vocational Nurse

Veterans Health Administration•Fresno, CA

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) provides practical nursing care to a diverse Veteran population, performing assigned duties under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee and within the functional statement for the assigned grade. The role supports quality health care, customer service, and an environment committed to serving Veterans. At the full-performance level, the nurse assists with minor procedures and clinical tasks, carries out patient care based on patient condition, observes and reports relevant changes, and provides patient and family education. The nurse prepares and administers prescribed medications and performs treatments according to established policies and procedures. The role includes recognizing urgent or emergent situations, seeking assistance, and initiating appropriate interventions; supporting complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures; and serving as a preceptor for less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians. The LPN/LVN is expected to pursue educational opportunities and share knowledge with staff to advance nursing practice. The work schedule is Tour 1, 2330 to 0800, with rotating days off and every third weekend off. Travel of up to 25% may be required. This is not a virtual position. The full-performance level is GS-06, and selection may be at GS-03 through GS-06. Salary is competitive, with regular increases; starting pay may be set at a higher step based on exceptional qualifications or special organizational needs, and salary is prorated based on hours worked.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, except where non-citizens may be appointed under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
Graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing school, or qualifying military education/training or other permitted education exception.
Active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Meet the qualification criteria for the grade sought: GS-03 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires qualifying LPN/LVN experience, qualifying nursing-care experience, or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months; GS-05 requires the specified practical nursing knowledge and skills; GS-06 requires the specified proficiency and patient-care, emergency-response, customer-service, and specialized-procedure support competencies.
Proficiency in preparing, administering, and documenting commonly prescribed medications and observing and reporting patient responses, as applicable to the grade sought.
Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations and assist with resuscitation procedures, as applicable to the grade sought.
Subject to background/security investigation and, for testing-designated positions, pre-appointment urinalysis for illegal drug use.
Must complete required application and onboarding documentation and sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities before accepting a final employment offer.
Must serve a two-year trial period.
Must undergo a TB test and may be required to complete additional tests.
Must be physically and mentally able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Long-term care or skilled nursing facility (SNF) experience.

Responsibilities

Provide practical nursing care to Veterans and perform assigned duties under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee.
Carry out patient care based on patient condition, using judgment to select the order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
Recognize, report, and record relevant patient information and changes in physical or emotional condition.
Observe and respond to patient care needs, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education.
Prepare and administer prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures.
Recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance from an RN and/or physician, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions.
Apply customer service standards when interacting with patients, family members, and internal or external customers.
Support complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.
Orient, educate, and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians as a preceptor for support duties related to complex tests and procedures.
Seek educational opportunities and share acquired knowledge with staff to improve nursing practice.
Travel as required, up to 25%.