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.

• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• 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. An LPN[/LVN] who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.
• Physical Standards: The LPN serves as a member of a nursing team with an assigned patient load. The LPN is responsible for patients from admission to discharge and has makes a concentrated effort and self-motivation to carry out the patients care. The LPN observes patients for changing conditions, supports the patient and/or family members in the integration of the patients care, performs a range of treatment procedures, performs a range of diagnostic support duties which include taking vital signs, taking specimens, calling the laboratory for lab reports, recording lab reports given over the telephone, and assisting the doctor, observes and documents all pertinent data regarding the physical and emotional status of patients. Work requires long periods of regular and recurring standing and walking with regular and recurring lifting and positioning of patients. Work in performed in a hospital ward or clinic requiring normal safety precautions.
• English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in [both] spoken and written English.

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).
Preferred Experience: None.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, 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-3: None beyond the basic requirements
GS-4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVNor,Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home,or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and proceduresorGraduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
GS-6: Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13The 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.

Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided and are to be used to preserve patient and staff safety. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, which may change over time, as a condition of employment (VA Handbook 5019). The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.