Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to all US Citizens. If you are a Current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees, or other current permanent Federal employees of other agencies please apply to announcement number: CBSU-12750510-25-AS

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Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilizing computer programs required for the position.
• Carries out assigned patient care based on the patient's conditions; Uses judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.
• Utilizes principles of aseptic technique, universal precautions, and isolations requirements. promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.
• Performs support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing, and handling specialized instruments or other following the procedure.
• Assist with and performing activities of daily living, i.e., bathing, toileting, feeding, shavings, oral hygiene, care of scalp and nails.
• Taking and recording in the medical record: vital signs, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, pulse oximeter, temperature, pain score, weight, and neurological check.
• Collecting specimens, urine, feces, sputum, etc., and appropriately prepare and transports specimens to the laboratory. Measuring and recording total intake (oral, IV, per tube) and output (urine, emesis, wound, etc.).
• Monitoring patients receiving blood products. l. Assisting in managing the patient with a chest tube.
• Assisting in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for patients, including those exhibiting unpredictable behavior.
• Required to have a positive understanding and helpful attitude toward patient, patient families and coworkers. Demonstrating the ability to work as an active, contributing team member.
• Completes clinical reminders and close encounters in a timely manner. Complete post discharge phone calls, per clinic policy.
• Completes medication reconciliation during home visits per program requirements.
• Adheres to infection control guidelines and practices.
• Performs treatments, procedures and the use and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment appropriate to assigned area.
• Ensures safe body mechanics, use of mechanical devices, and/or request help when needed moving, lifting, or turning patients to prevent injuries to patient, self, or others.
• Consistently demonstrate knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• Providing appropriate care and documentation for patients (1) at high· risk for falls, (2) requiring restraints, (3) requiring Emergency Orders of Detentions (EOD) or Court commitment, and (4) demonstrating suicidal or ideations, or (5) patients requiring special monitoring or observation.
• Adheres to the rights of medication administration (1) Right patient, (2) Right medication, (3) Right dose, (4) Right route, (5) Right time, (6) Right documentation.
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous, enemas and suppository forms of medications).
• Self-directed in flushing and changing the dressings of heparin locks. Initiating venipunctures for peripheral IV's and changing tubing and dressings.
• Central line and peripherally inserted central catheter line care, i.e., flushes, dressing changes, IV tubing changes and administration of medications (does not include dialysis catheters or infusaports).
• Assists Registered Nurse in with PCA pumps, i.e., sets up and initiates, monitors, changes syringes and settings, and documents on PCA flow sheet.
• Follows infection control guidelines and report infection control issues and assist in staff education.
• Participates in nursing in-services and staffing huddles/meetings.
• Contributes to the IDT team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the patient's treatment pian.
• Maintains professional ethics and conduct with patient and staff.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m OR 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m (Tour to be discussed with supervisor)
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 54518-A; 54519-A; 54520-A; 54521-A

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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination / evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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:

• 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: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.

Education: To qualify applicants must have met (1) of the following:

• Be a graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. 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

• 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.

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.

Grade specific requirements:GS-3 Licensed Practical Nurse

• None beyond the basic requirements

GS-4 Licensed Practical Nurse:

• Education and/or Experience: In addition to meeting basic requirements, LPNs at the GS 4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS 3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.

Experience:

• Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN

OR

Education:

• Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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 procedures;

OR

• Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-5 Licensed Practical Nurse: In addition to meeting basic requirements:

Experience:

• LPNs at the GS 5 grade level must have completed at least (1) one year of qualifying experience at the GS 4 level or equivalent that demonstrate a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO.

AND

• You must also possess the required KSA's as outlined in the assessment.

GS-6 Licensed Practical Nurse: In addition to meeting basic requirements, LPNs at the GS 6 grade level must have:

Experience-

• have completed at least (1) one year of qualifying experience at the GS 5 level or equivalent and fully meet all performance requirements for the GS 5 LPN and is technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.

AND

• You must also possess the required KSA's as outlined in the assessment.

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 3-6.


Physical Requirements: The position involves considerable standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning. It requires restraining confused patients, repositioning patients, assisting with transferring patients to Wheelchairs/stretchers/cars, and transporting them to other departments or facilities. Mechanical devices available and are required to be used for heavy or difficult to lift patients. The work may involve pushing or lifting weight in excess of 50 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs. 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. This position requires visual acuity, good hearing, distinctive speech and manual dexterity. The position requires the nurse to work for periods of time with arms above shoulder level with neck in a fully flexed or extended position and the ability to physically control

How you will be evaluated

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

Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other permanent VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
4. All other applicants.

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.