Vocational Nurse-Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration • San Francisco, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vocational Nurse (LVN) at the San Francisco VA Medical Center provides direct patient care and clinical support to Veterans in a team-based primary care clinic. As an essential member of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), the LVN delivers safe, compassionate, patient-centered care and supports coordination of services, continuity of care, timely access, and improved patient outcomes. The role is based in a fast-paced outpatient primary care clinic and requires clinical skills, effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting the Veterans Health Administration’s mission to provide high-quality care to Veterans.

The role supports adult and elderly patients and may involve care coordination, patient education, preventive care, clinical procedures, and documentation in the electronic health record. Work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO, as applicable to the grade and duties. The position is not virtual, and telework is not available. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exceptions for non-citizens 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 the stated licensing and experience exception.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated grandfathering provision for eligible current VHA employees.
• Meet the grade-specific qualifications for the selected GS level (GS-3 through GS-6), including the applicable qualifying experience, education, and demonstrated nursing knowledge and skills.
• For GS-4: the specified qualifying LPN/LVN experience, qualifying nursing-care experience after graduation, or graduation from an approved program of at least 24 months.
• For GS-5: at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent, plus demonstrated practical nursing care, teamwork, medication administration and documentation, emergency response, and safety awareness abilities.
• For GS-6: at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, plus technical proficiency in patient care, judgment in sequencing procedures, patient observation and education, medication administration, emergency response, patient/family relations, support for complex diagnostic procedures, and continued learning.
• Complete required pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and application documentation; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis screening.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the position’s physical requirements, including visual acuity correctable to 20/40, hearing clear distinctive speech correctable to 20 dB, and manual dexterity for procedures and computer use.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of LVN experience in an outpatient setting.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, height, weight, and pain assessment.
• Perform patient intake and prepare Veterans for provider examinations.
• Assist providers with physical exams, procedures, and treatments.
• Administer medications, immunizations, and injections according to provider orders and established protocols.
• Perform wound care, dressing changes, EKGs, specimen collection, and point-of-care testing.
• Monitor patient condition and report significant changes to the RN or provider.
• Follow infection-control practices and maintain a clean and safe clinical environment.
• Coordinate patient-care activities within the PACT team.
• Schedule follow-up appointments, diagnostic tests, and specialty referrals as directed by providers.
• Help manage patient panels by monitoring preventive-care reminders and chronic-disease management needs.
• Participate in patient telephone triage and relay concerns to the appropriate provider or RN.
• Track laboratory results and diagnostic tests and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Educate Veterans and family members about medications, treatments, and disease management; reinforce provider instructions and encourage participation in care plans.
• Promote preventive health measures, including vaccinations, screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Document patient care, procedures, communications, interactions, and nursing interventions accurately and in a timely manner in the electronic health record, in accordance with VA policy.
• Assist with clinic flow management to support timely care delivery.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other interdisciplinary team members to coordinate patient care.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• 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 may be carried into retirement.
• Annual leave accrual may be credited for qualifying prior federal work or military service, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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