Licensed Practical Nurse

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the application. Qualifications Applicants pending completion of the required educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States citizenship. Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. English language proficiency – no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education – graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed. Exceptions: Health care education in the military service or training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction where the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements. OR current GS‑0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 38 U.S.C. 7405. OR individually granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure – active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. Grandfathering provision – may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable only to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade determinations – the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade: GS‑03 – none beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration). GS‑04 – employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet any of the following:

• Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.
• Graduation from an approved school (waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience involving nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home or other supervised medical‑nursing‑or patient‑care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques.
• Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. For the GS‑4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS‑3 grade level.

GS‑05 – completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent, and demonstration of required KSA’s as outlined in the Assessment. GS‑06 – completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS‑5 LPN/LVN, and demonstration of required KSA’s as outlined in the Assessment. Reference – for more information on this qualification standard please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is in the range of GS‑03 to GS‑06. Physical requirements – this position requires significant physical activity including standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and turning. Duties involve restraining, repositioning, and transferring patients, using mechanical devices for heavy or difficult lifts, transporting patients to other areas, potentially lifting over 50 pounds and climbing stairs. Exposure to infected patients and contaminated materials is possible; protective clothing may be required. Essential skills include visual acuity, hearing, clear speech, manual dexterity, and the ability to work with arms above shoulder level and control physical situations. Duties Provide direct‑high quality nursing care within LPN/LVN scope for diverse veteran populations. Demonstrate technical proficiency in assigned duties – patient monitoring, documentation, and use of required computer systems. Accurately observe, record, and report changes in condition; recognize and respond to deviations. Utilize aseptic technique, universal precautions, and infection control standards. Assist with diagnostic procedures and specialized treatments; prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. Support activities of daily living – bathing, feeding, hygiene, mobility. Record vital signs, intake/output, pain scores, and neurological checks; collect and process lab specimens. Monitor patients receiving blood products or with chest tubes. Promote safety and a therapeutic environment for all patients, including those with behavioral challenges. Demonstrate teamwork, professionalism, and positive interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. Complete clinical reminders, encounters, and documentation in a timely manner. Adhere to infection control and safe patient‑handling policies; practice safe body mechanics. Report and document significant patient information to support plan‑of‑care updates. Perform treatments and reusable medical equipment reprocessing per policy. Maintain a safe–therapeutic environment and apply knowledge of emergency procedures. Recognize urgent or emergent situations; seek RN/MD/DO guidance and initiate interventions. Provide appropriate care for patients at high risk (falls, restraints, EOD, suicidal ideation). Ensure compliance with safety rules and mechanical aids to prevent injury. Administrate medications safely – following the six rights of administration, including oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, IV and rectal routes. Perform venipuncture, line care, dressing changes, and tubing maintenance per competency; monitor for adverse reactions and report deviations promptly. Assist with PCA pumps and blood‑product monitoring; educate patients on prescribed medications and compliance. Align practice with VA mission, vision, and goals. Engage in self‑assessment, communicate development needs to the Nurse Manager, pursue education to enhance clinical knowledge, and share learning with peers. Complete all TMS competencies and mandatory training on schedule; participate in in‑services, huddles and performance‑improvement activities. Support infection control and contribute to staff education efforts; assist in orienting and mentoring new LPN/LVNs or support staff. Promote VA values through courteous, respectful, and professional conduct. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care planning; build constructive relationships with veterans, families, and staff to support positive outcomes. Encourage patient participation, independence, and engagement in care; incorporate patient rights and customer‑service standards into all interactions. Actively support process improvement and committee participation; provide and develop educational materials for veterans, families, and caregivers. Perform other duties as assigned depending on grade level. Pay – competitive salary and regular salary increases; paid time off: 37–50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Parental leave – after 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Child‑care subsidy – after 60 days of employment; full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a child‑care subsidy up to 25 % of eligible childcare costs (monthly maximum $416.66). Retirement – traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % contributions by VA. VA health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care – many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement. EDRP – authorized; former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact – David Billingsley, EDRP Coordinator (View email address on click.appcast.io) for questions/assistance. Telework – not available. Virtual – this is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS‑3 61188‑0, GS‑4 61189‑0, GS‑5 61190‑0, GS‑6 61191‑0. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs