Practical Nurse

Overview

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval includes award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years), determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

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.

• 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) - 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
• Exceptions include 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/LVN
• 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
• Grandfathering Provision may apply to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met for each grade
• GS-3:
  None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-4:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN OR graduation from an approved school and one year of related nursing care experience OR graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months
• GS-5:
  At least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent, plus demonstrated ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care and to work as a responsible member of the nursing team
• Knowledge and skill to prepare, administer, and document medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous) as permitted by local policies
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergencies and to assist in resuscitation as directed
• Recognizes equipment issues and safety hazards, reporting for corrective action
• GS-6:
  At least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent; proficient in initiating and completing assigned duties for varied patient populations; ability to use judgment to select appropriate procedures and document patient information
• Ability to observe and respond to patient needs for medication and education; prepares and administers prescribed medications per policies
• Emergency recognition and response, as directed
• Knowledge of patient behavior and effective communication with patients, families, and staff
• Ability to support complex diagnostic tests and procedures, including preparation and handling of instruments and monitoring
• Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Experience working in an outpatient clinic as an LPN/LVN
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06; actual grade at appointment may be GS-03 to GS-06
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, and manual dexterity; long periods of walking, standing, stooping,…