Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Quick Facts

• Role: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Setting: Nursing, Geriatrics and Extended Care (Community Living Center)

• Supervision: Works under direction of an RN

• Schedule: 12-hour shifts that vary by service needs

Description

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct patient care and is accountable for individual practical nursing practice. The LPN observes, records, and reports changes in patient condition, assists with developing and revising patient-driven holistic life-care plans, and supports restorative activities to preserve function and prevent complications. The LPN works as part of the care team with patients and families, demonstrating collaboration, communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct patient care as directed by an RN

• Observe, record, and report patient condition changes

• Assist in developing and revising holistic life-care plans

• Support restorative techniques (exercise, ambulation, gait training, bowel/bladder training, socialization, ADL training)

• Provide culturally respectful care and account for patient values and beliefs

• Initiate, perform, and complete assigned duties for variable patient populations using clinical judgment

• Prepare, administer, and accurately document medications and treatments per local policy (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, IV as permitted)

• Monitor patient response to medications/treatments and report deviations to RN/MD/DO

• Recognize urgent/emergent situations, institute emergency measures as indicated, and assist with resuscitation (cardiac/pulmonary arrest)

• Identify equipment/safety hazards and report malfunctions/supply deficiencies

• Assist in patient/family education regarding disease processes, medications, and treatment regimens

• Assist in complex diagnostic tests/specialized practices when required and serve as a preceptor when needed

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive salary with regular salary increases

• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annual paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, paid federal holidays)

• Leave credit: Possible credit toward annual leave based on prior work or military experience

• Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months

• Child care subsidy: Possible eligibility after 60 days for qualified full-time employees

• Retirement: Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA

• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care coverage

• Work setup: Telework not available; not a virtual position