Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4

Assignments associated with this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Manages patient care problems and deviations using self-direction in accordance with VA Nursing Practice and LPN licensure standards. Maintains knowledge and skill to care for a wide range of patients, including those with chronic and acute illness.
2. Assesses, records, and reports vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels.
   Appropriately triages and prioritizes patient needs as routine, urgent, or emergent in the clinic setting and
   modifies patient care/treatment as needed.
3. Checks patients into the clinic, interviews patient and/or significant other, and documents intake data
   as per policy. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of VA protocols and VHA directives related to clinic
   management, documentation, and computer technology.
4. Performs telehealth services, store and forward, clinical video teleconference, video connect, tele
   performance such as tele-retinal screening, tele-dermatology, tele-wound care and other telehealth
   services as identified, and referred providers.
5. Serves as a Tele-presenter coordinates Telehealth services and is part of the clinic team. Available
   for all telehealth meetings and visits. Demonstrates ability to propose and arrange new clinics depending
   on needs of consulting physicians.
6. Performs phlebotomy procedures following a sequence of steps approved for sample collection.
   Independently responsible for selecting the best venipuncture site, most suitable phlebotomy equipment
   (needle type, size and length), most appropriate cleansing agent(s), proper collection vials and assessing
   the patient's condition before, during and after the procedure.
7. Follows the Laboratory procedures for collecting specimens in the appropriate container, maintains
   specimen under appropriate conditions, follows guidelines for collecting timed specimens at the
   appropriate times to insure specimen viability. Evaluates suitability of specimens for analysis, requesting
   new specimens if determined to be unusable.
8. Demonstrates knowledge, skill, and ability to promptly recognize and effectively intervene in
   potentially urgent or emergent situations.
9. Maintains and implements knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as scientific principles
   underlying nursing care and procedures.
10. Serves as a resource for complex/specialized procedures (i.e. non-complex suture removal, noncomplex
    wound care, blood draws, and clinic specific procedures, such as ear irrigation). Performs
    venipuncture for blood draws, prepares specimens for transport and processing (centrifuge and serum
    separation), transcribes orders, accessions label, provides patient education about lab tests, etc.
11. Demonstrates knowledge of standard precautions, medical asepsis, and sterile technique with the ability to correctly apply these principles and techniques and assist others with implementation in the clinic setting. Assists with diagnostic procedures that include preparing the patient, setting up sterile field and instrumentation, and monitoring the patient's condition.
12. Demonstrates the knowledge and skill to interpret common test results and other medical data.
    Provides education to patients/families about preparation for procedures and/or diagnostic tests.
13. Takes an active role in health promotion and disease prevention to improve patient outcomes.
    Provides one-on-one or group teaching as appropriate.
14. Teaches patients and families principles of health, self-care, and treatments related to wellness and
    health promotion. Participates in selection of appropriate teaching materials to instruct patients on
    equipment, medications, disease processes, weight management, diet, and smoking cessation.
15. Communicates calmly, courteously, and professionally with all patients, personnel, and visitors while
    maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and Medical Center policies.
16. Collaborates with the PACT team and other interdisciplinary services in the development,
    implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Demonstrates knowledge and adherence to identified
    standards of care/practice for a variety of medical diagnoses.
17. Serves in a leadership role within the PACT team to promote holistic care and optimize clinic
    efficiency. Assists other staff to improve and advance their practical nursing practice as appropriate.
18. Active participant in quality improvement projects/hospital committees to promote evidence-based
    practice and performance improvement in the clinic setting.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm
Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 54092F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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:

• Citizenship:
  Must be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.)

• 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.
  Exceptions include:

  • Military training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction of licensure.
  • Certain VHA employees converted under Public Law 98-160 or 99-576.
  • Individuals licensed in jurisdictions that do not require graduation from an approved school (see waiver criteria).

• Licensure:
  Must possess a full, active, current, and unrestricted license as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.

• Physical Standards:
  Must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

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:
GS-3 (Entry Level):

• No additional experience or education beyond the basic requirements.
• Performs duties under close supervision; work may require routine or detailed review.

GS-4:

Must meet one of the following:

• Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN; OR
• Graduation from an approved school and one (1) year of experience in nursing care work in a medical setting; OR
• Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

LPNs at this level perform all duties expected at GS-3 with greater independence and judgment.

GS-5:

• Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Provide full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical/behavioral problems.
• Educate patients/families on disease processes, medications, and treatments.
• Serve as a responsible member of the nursing team.
• Prepare, administer, and document medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, IM, IV).
• Recognize and respond to emergencies; assist in resuscitation.
• Identify and report equipment/supply issues.
• Work under general supervision with broad knowledge of nursing procedures.

GS-6:

• Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Technically proficient in providing care to diverse patient populations.
• Use judgment in selecting procedures and treatments.
• Observe and respond to patient needs (medication, equipment, education).
• Administer medications and treatments; document and report changes.
• Recognize urgent/emergent situations and initiate interventions.
• Understand human behavior and patient motivations.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients/families.
• Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests/procedures.
• Serve as a preceptor for less experienced staff.
• Actively seek educational opportunities and share knowledge.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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.

Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.