Practical Nurse

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse who coordinates veteran care. The LPN is skilled in managing simple to complex nursing tasks independently for diverse patient populations. They serve on the health care team – providing regular care – and seek guidance when needed to ensure quality care.

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.

• Citizenship:
  Citizen of the United States
• 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
• Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission – 61 Broadway – 33rd Floor – New York – NY 10006]
• Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website
• Exceptions include: (1) Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment; (2) VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3);
  
  (3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
• Licensure:
  Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a state, territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States – or District of Columbia
• Licensure status restrictions:
  An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with VA Handbook 5005/3 – chapter 3 – section B – paragraph 16
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade
  • GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements
  • GS-4. Must meet any of the following criteria:
    Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (waivable per Section C – paragraph
    4) plus one year of nursing care experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical facility with practical knowledge of body structure and sterile techniques; or Graduation from an approved 24‑month program
  • LS‑4 grade-level LPNs perform all duties expected of GS-3 employees but with greater judgment – less supervision – and adherence to all established policies, procedures, and techniques
  • GS-5. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
  • GS-6. 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
• Preferred Experience:
  
  One year of Primary Care or nursing experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• Physical Requirements:
  
  This position includes a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by nurses such as direct patient care – and potentially long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling.

• This position is a member of a team engaged to provide comprehensive primary care to a panel of Veterans using a patient-centered care approach
• This position assists with discovering the Veteran's vision of living life fully and his or her goals for health
• The position reinforces the Veteran acquiring skills in self-care and self‑management and provides Veterans with ongoing support and coaching needed to succeed in making and sustaining changes in their health
• Major Duties include but not limited to:
• Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to…