Practical Nurse

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval—including award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years)—is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application. Qualifications Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing. Full‑active‑current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia. LPN/LVN who has had any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade: GS‑3: None beyond the basic requirements. GS‑4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN. Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility. Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS‑5:

Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of conditions. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants—Health Technicians in relation to acceptable standards of practice. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members concerning common disease processes, medication, and treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, and other supportive personnel. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and document actions taken for commonly prescribed medications. Knowledge and ability to recognize and respond to emergency measures when indicated. Recognizes and responds to equipment or supply deficiencies and reports them appropriately. Completed work is under general supervision of an RN or MD/DO.

GS‑6:

Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent. Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in patient care. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out patient care based on patient conditions. Use judgment in selecting appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments. Accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information. Ability to observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for care, including medication and equipment‑assisted care. In organizing and delivering care—consider emotional, socio‑economic, and age‑related factors. Prepares and administers prescribed medications and performs treatments according to established policies. Observes for physical or emotional changes in patient condition and reports deviations to RN or MD/DO. Recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations and seeks assistance of RN or MD/DO. Knowledge of human behavior and ability to use this knowledge in working effectively with patients and staff. Establishes constructive relationships with patients and families to promote positive relationships and communication. Fosters an environment of respect for patient and family rights to privacy and dignity. Incorporates customer service standards in all interactions. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs on support duties. Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and shares new knowledge with staff. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit Duties Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patient conditions. Use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments. Accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information. Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for care, including medication and equipment‑assisted care. Consider emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio‑economic, and age‑related factors when delivering care. Prepare and administer prescribed medications and perform treatments according to established policies. Observe changes in patient condition and report deviations to RN or MD/DO. Recognize urgent and emergent patient care situations and initiate appropriate interventions. Understand and apply knowledge of human behavior to interact effectively with patients and staff. Establish constructive relationships with patients and families to promote communication and socialization. Maintain respect for patient and family rights to privacy and dignity. Incorporate customer service standards into all interactions. Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures. Serve as a preceptor for less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs on support duties. Actively seek educational opportunities to improve nursing practice and share new knowledge with staff. Work Schedule Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pay Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When determining pay, the agency may apply a higher step rate of the appropriate grade based on higher or unique qualifications or special needs, above the minimum rate for the grade. Paid Time Off 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service. Parental Leave After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of eligible childcare costs, with a monthly maximum of $416.66 for each eligible child. Retirement Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % contributions by VA Insurance. Health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement. Telework Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement 534‑58338F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs