Licensed Practical Nurse- Outpatient Mental Health

Summary This Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct physical and emotional care to Veterans in the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic at the Saint Cloud VA Medical Center. The role supports patient self‑management—delivers education—performs focused assessments—and assists the care team under the guidance of a Registered Nurse 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 (e.g., 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 Specified Grade Qualifications 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 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience providing nursing care in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical‑nursing or patient‑care facility that provided practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques; 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; Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems; Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient, train, and supervise less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs); Provides effective education to patients and/or family members regarding common disease processes, medication, and prescribed treatment regimes; Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact appropriately with patients, family members, professionals, and other supportive personnel; Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken with commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by facility policies; Observation and documentation of patient response to medication and reporting of any noted change; Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seeking assistance from the RN or MD/DO and assisting in resuscitation procedures; Recognizes and appropriately responds to equipment malfunction or supply deficiencies; Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO; Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures; Completion of more complex practices may be subject to closer review GS‑06 – Completion of at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent; Fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS‑5 LPN/LVN; Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations; Knowledge and ability to properly carry out assigned patient care based on patients' conditions; Uses judgment in selecting appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; Accurately recognizes, reports, and records relevant patient information; Completed work requires only general review by an RN or physician for appropriateness and conformity with established policies; Ability to observe, identify, and respond to patient needs including medication, equipment‑assisted care, and patient/family education; In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes emotional, socio‑economic, and age‑related factors; Prepares and administers prescribed medications; Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient condition and reports deviations; Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance, and initiates appropriate emergency interventions; Knowledge and understanding of human behavior and patient motivations; Establishes constructive relationships with patients and families; Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity; Effectively 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 staff; Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills; Preferred experience in mental health and telehealth is desired but not required Reference For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Duties Total Rewards: This allied health professional 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 an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for the program. Provide nursing care such as rooming patients, obtaining vital signs, completing clinical reminders, and documenting medication reconciliation. Perform specimen collection, breathalyzer use, labeling, and storage of laboratory samples. Administer medications, including immunizations and injections, and monitor for variances. Assist with patient education on disease processes, medications, and treatment plans. Conduct patient‑focused assessments and report findings to the Registered Nurse, Provider, or clinician. Maintain clean and safe patient care areas, restock supplies, and complete equipment checks. Participate in care team meetings, nursing reports, and unit or facility committees. Use therapeutic communication with Veterans and families and provide courteous customer service. Respond appropriately to emergent and non‑emergent situations using approved interventions. Collaborate with telehealth and clinic staff and assist with telehealth duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned. Work schedule: Full‑time, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Weekend and holidays may be required. Additional pay: Shift differential – 10% of basic pay for work performed during scheduled hours between 6 pm and 6 am; Weekend premium – 25% of basic pay for work performed between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday; Holiday pay – two times basic hourly rate for non‑overtime work on a designated holiday. Recruitment incentive (sign‑on bonus): Not authorized. Permanent change of station (PCS): Not authorized. Paid time off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service. Parental leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Childcare 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 total eligible childcare costs, up to a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contributions. Health insurance includes federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not available; this is not a virtual position. Physical requirements: Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, and manual dexterity. Duties may involve long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. The role requires the ability to transfer patients and objects as needed. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr