Vocational Nurse - Ambulatory Specialty Care

Veterans Health Administration • Mather AFB, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse in Ambulatory Specialty Care performs assigned duties to promote quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving veterans. The role provides practical nursing care to variable patient populations, administers prescribed medications and treatments, monitors and documents changes in patients’ conditions, and supports complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures. The nurse works with patients, families, and clinical staff, recognizing individual needs and responding to urgent or emergent situations as appropriate.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program eligibility, application, and approval; awards may be up to $200,000 over one to five years. The full performance level is GS-6, with selection at GS-3 through GS-6. The position requires a one- or two-year trial period.

Requirements

• Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Graduation from an approved or appropriately accredited practical or vocational nursing school, or qualifying military health care education accepted by the licensing jurisdiction.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Meet the experience, education, and performance requirements for the selected grade: GS-3 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires qualifying experience or specified education and experience; GS-5 requires one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4; GS-6 requires one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-5.
• For GS-5, demonstrate practical nursing care knowledge; ability to orient or train less experienced staff with an RN or MD/DO; patient and family education skills; teamwork and customer-service skills; medication preparation, administration, and documentation knowledge; emergency-response ability; and recognition and reporting of equipment, safety, or supply problems.
• For GS-6, demonstrate proficiency in assigned nursing duties, patient assessment and care, medication and treatment administration, monitoring and reporting changes, emergency response, effective patient and family relationships, and support for complex diagnostic or specialized procedures.
• U.S. citizenship is required unless appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Selected applicants must complete onboarding and required background or security investigation, and must meet pre-employment identification and application-document requirements.
• Applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated position must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Must complete a one- or two-year trial period if appointed.
• Physical capacity to perform the position’s stated duties, including lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally pushing or lifting more than 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of LVN experience in infectious disease.
• BLS.

Responsibilities

• Provide assigned nursing care to variable patient populations based on patients’ conditions and needs.
• Use judgment to determine the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and recognize, report, and document relevant patient information.
• Observe and respond to patient needs, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient or family education.
• Consider emotional, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and age-related factors when organizing and delivering care.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures.
• Monitor patients for physical or emotional changes related to medications or treatments, document changes promptly and accurately, and report deviations from normal to an RN or MD/DO.
• Recognize urgent or emergent patient-care situations, seek assistance from an RN or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• Work effectively with patients, family members, and staff, using knowledge of human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions to situations.
• Establish constructive relationships with patients and families to elicit feelings and attitudes and promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization.
• Support complex diagnostic tests and specialized practices or procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, preparing and handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.
• Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and share newly acquired knowledge with staff.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position and eligibility.
• Possible credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal 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