Licensed Practical Nurse-Primary Care Integrated Clinical Community

Summary The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct physical and emotional care to Veterans in Primary Care and Integrated Care Community (ICC) at the Saint Cloud VA Medical Center. Duties include novice-level nursing activities, supporting procedures, delivering education, documenting care, and assisting the Registered Nurse (RN) or Provider. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of 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 In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d) – no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are 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 by the applicant Licensure – Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia 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 stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade GS‑03 – None beyond the basic requirements GS‑04 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, or Graduation from an approved school (may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience in a nursing‑care work environment, or Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration GS‑05 – Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent, and demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems Work with the RN and/or MD/DO to train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in practice standards Provide effective education to patients and/or family members about disease processes, medications, and treatment regimes Serve as a responsible member of the nursing team, interacting appropriately with patients, family members, and supportive personnel, incorporating customer service standards into practice Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and document commonly prescribed medications as permitted by local policies Observe and document patient response to medication, reporting changes to RN or MD/DO Recognize and institute emergency measures when indicated, seeking assistance of RN or MD/DO and assisting in resuscitation procedures Recognize and respond to equipment malfunction or loss, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting for corrective action All duties performed under general supervision of an RN or MD/DO Broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures with possible higher‑level review for complex practices GS‑06 – Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all GS‑5 performance requirements Technically proficient in initiating and completing patient care duties, using judgment to select appropriate procedures and treatments Accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information General review by RN or MD/DO sufficient for appropriateness and compliance with policies Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for medication, equipment‑assisted care, and education Consider emotional, socio‑economic, and age‑related factors in care Administer prescribed medications according to established procedures, monitoring changes Recognize urgent or emergent situations, initiate appropriate intervention, and seek assistance Understand human behavior and employ knowledge for effective interaction with patients and staff Establish constructive relationships to elicit emotions and promote positive communication Foster respect for patient and family rights to privacy and dignity Incorporate customer service standards in all interactions Support duties for complex diagnostic tests, including preparing patient, assisting, handling equipment, and monitoring condition Serve as a preceptor for less experienced staff regarding complex specialized test procedures Pursue educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and share with staff Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑3 to GS‑6. Duties Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional: This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) Repayment is limited to $40,000 annually – up to $100,000 in lifetime awards Participants must sign a three‑year service agreement and maintain acceptable performance to remain eligible for this program (contact View email address on click.appcast.io for more information) Duties include but are not limited to: room patients, obtain vital signs, complete clinical reminders, reconcile medications, and perform basic clinical procedures such as catheterizing, dressing changes, ear lavages, nail trimming, bladder scans, and administering medications including immunizations Assist Registered Nurses and Providers with special procedures by preparing patients, securing supplies, collecting and labeling specimens, and providing peri‑procedural monitoring Support Providers with specialized injections, wound care, joint procedures, biopsies, skin tag removal, gynecologic procedures, and other minor procedures specific to clinic needs Document care and observations accurately, including physical and emotional condition and procedure results in the electronic medical record Provide education to Veterans and families regarding disease processes, medications, diagnostic procedures, self‑management, and health promotion Conduct telephone or face‑to‑face appointments to collect data, facilitate medication renewals, complete discharge follow‑up calls, and route concerns appropriately Report changes in Veteran condition to the Registered Nurse or Provider and intervene appropriately during emergent and non‑emergent situations Coordinate patient care activities with other departments and facilities, assisting with overall clinic workflow and supporting quality improvement efforts Collaborate with clinical coordinators, tele‑health staff, and administrative personnel to support tele‑health programs and health promotion initiatives Perform additional assigned duties to ensure safe, efficient, and Veteran‑centered care Work schedule: Full‑time, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Recruitment incentive (sign‑on bonus): Not authorized Permanent change of station (relocation assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular raises; a higher step rate may be awarded for higher or unique qualifications Paid time off: 37–50 days annual paid time offer per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays); selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience Parental leave: After 12 months employment, up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement Childcare subsidy: After 60 days employment, full‑time employees with total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of eligible costs for up to $416.66 per month Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contributions; insurance – federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care programs (many carried into retirement) Telework: Not available; virtual: This position is not virtual Physical requirements: Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, manual dexterity; duties may involve prolonged walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and transferring patients or objects as needed #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs