Licensed Practical Nurse- Specialty Care

Overview

Summary: This Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position at the Fargo VA Medical Center within the Specialty Care Clinics supports nine specialty areas in the outpatient setting as assigned. The LPN provides essential support for a wide range of tasks and procedures under the guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN), ensuring high-quality care for Veterans. Flexibility and collaboration are key to meeting the unique needs of each specialty clinic, ensuring a safe and efficient environment.

Duties: Initiates, performs, and completes assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Serves as a preceptor in collaboration with the RN and/or provider to orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice. Carries out assigned patient care based on patients’ conditions and uses judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.

Observes, identifies, and responds to the patient’s needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education. Considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors in organizing and delivering care. Maintains a responsible role within the nursing team and interacts appropriately with patients, family members, professionals, and support personnel. Uses established customer service standards in all interactions and provides education to patients and/or family members about disease processes, medications, and prescribed treatment regimens.

Documents the patient’s response to medication and prescribed treatments and reports any changes to the RN or provider. Recognizes urgent or emergent care needs, seeks assistance as directed, and initiates emergency interventions when appropriate.

Additional responsibilities (as applicable to the role): Performs support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized procedures, including preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, and handling specialized instruments or equipment. Serves as a preceptor for orienting, educating, and training less experienced staff on complex procedures. Uses computerized patient records system and documents patient responses to care. Maintains privacy and dignity for patients and incorporates customer service standards in all practice interactions.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy
• English Language Proficiency
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English for direct patient care per 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d)
• Education:
  
  Graduate of a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program and/or NLNAC accreditation at program completion
• Licensure:
  Active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in the United States or the District of Columbia
• May qualify under Grandfathering Provision for current VA employees in this occupation
• Grade Determinations: criteria for GS-03 to GS-06 as described below
• GS-03:
  None beyond basic requirements; may perform duties under general supervision
• GS-04:
  Six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience or approved program with related clinical experience
• GS-05:
  Minimum one year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent, with broader nursing responsibilities
• GS-06:
  At least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-05, proficient in initiating and completing assigned duties, and capable of providing broader patient care with supervision

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): Demonstrated ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care, educate patients and families, document actions and patient responses, recognize urgent care needs, and work within a team to promote patient safety and quality care.

• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Pay:
  Competitive salary with potential step increases based on qualifications
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays)
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Child Care Subsidy:
  Eligible full-time employees with income below stated thresholds may receive a subsidy up to 25% of childcare costs
• Retirement/Insurance:
  Federal pension with 5-year vesting and optional 401(k);
  Health/Vision/Dental/Life/LTC coverage
• Telework:
  Not available;
  Virtual:
  Not a virtual position
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not authorized for Fargo VAMC

Whole Health System: The VA Midwest Health Care Network promotes a Whole Health System of care, empowering Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission to Honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care.