Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Medical Specialty

Quick Facts

• Role: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a VA medical specialty setting (GS-3 to GS-6; full performance level: GS-6)
• Schedule: M–F 0730–1600; late nurse rotation every quarter (per posting)
• Work setup: Sedentary; may involve walking/standing and travel for meetings/conferences; lifting light items < 15 lbs

Description

Provide direct patient care by initiating, performing, and completing assigned nursing duties for variable patient populations under general review of an RN or provider. Prepare and administer prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous), perform treatments per policy, observe and document patient response, and report deviations promptly. Recognize urgent or emergent situations, seek RN/provider assistance, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed; support complex diagnostic tests/specialized procedures and may precept less experienced staff.

Responsibilities

• Execute assigned patient care based on patient condition; use judgment to sequence procedures and treatments
• Observe and respond to patient needs (medication, equipment-assisted care) and provide patient/family education
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications and treatments; document changes and report deviations
• Recognize urgent/emergent conditions and initiate emergency interventions as directed; assist in resuscitation as needed
• Support complex diagnostic tests/specialized procedures (patient prep, specialized instruments/equipment, monitoring before/during/after)
• Serve as a preceptor to orient and train less experienced staff (LPNs/LVNs and NAs/HTs) for support duties
• Use knowledge of human behavior and established customer service standards in interactions
• Seek educational opportunities and share learning with other staff to advance nursing practice

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Graduate of an approved practical/vocational nursing program (per posting accreditation requirements)
• Full, active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure (state/territory/commonwealth or DC)
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Urinalysis drug screening if selected for a testing designated position; refusal results in denial of employment
• Selective Service registration requirement (for eligible males)
• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements (including acceptable I-9 documentation)
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Complete a 1–2 year trial period with written certification that continued employment advances the public interest
• Meet GS-3 to GS-6 qualification criteria based on education and/or qualifying experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• Paid time off: 37–50 days annually (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)
• Parental leave after 12 months of employment (up to 12 weeks paid)
• Child care subsidy eligibility after 60 days for full-time employees meeting income thresholds
• Retirement: federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options
• Telework: not available

EDRP: The posting notes eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program. If eligible, you must submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.