Licensed Practical Nurse
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, SC, United States
Summary
The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and reports to the primary care nurse manager or primary care assistant nurse manager. The LPN is responsible for observing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient’s condition—both through in‑person care or through a virtual healthcare modality—as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient‑driven holistic care plan for life. The LPN is a member of the patient healthcare.
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
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
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above – 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‑03 – None beyond the basic requirements
LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g. – medication administration)
However – completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved
GS‑04 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
Or 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‑05 – Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients – family members – professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care
Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare – administer – and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral – topical – subcutaneous – intramuscular and/or intravenous medications
This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient’s condition
Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest
Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment – safety hazards – and supply deficiencies
GS‑06 – Proficiency in initiating – performing – and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations
Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient’s conditions – using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments – and accurately recognizing – reporting – and recording relevant patient information – Ability to observe – identify – and respond to a patient’s needs for care including medication – equipment‑assisted care – and patient/family education
In organizing and delivering care – the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional – socio‑economic – and age‑related factors
Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral – topical – subcutaneous – intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures
Observes for – documents – and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient’s condition from prescribed medications/treatments
Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed
Knowledge and understanding of human behavior – patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients – family members and other staff
Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes – to promote positive relationships – communication – and socialization skills
Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery
Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of customer service standards in all interactions with patients – family members – and/or other internal/external customers
Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures – which includes preparing the patient and assisting in the diagnostic examination – preparing – and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment – and monitoring the patient’s condition before – during – and following the procedure
Serves as a preceptor in orienting – educating – and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex – specialized tests/procedures
Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills – sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice
Preferred Experience: 1 Year ambulatory or clinic experience as a LPN
Possess communication and customer service etiquette
Ability to work cohesively with collogues and others in an health care setting
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‑06
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑04 to GS‑06
Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing – bending – reaching – crouching – stooping – stretching – and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals – record boxes – equipment or assisting patients
See https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
Major Duties: The LPN performs – reports and documents assigned nursing care in the Primary Care Clinics for both in person and virtual care modalities – including – but not limited to: Oxygen administration if applicable. Adhere to the PACT Nursing Protocols within scope of practice.
Medication administration to include Immunizations
Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated
Check expiration dates of meds and supplies
Delegated procedures and treatments
Documentation
Assists with minor procedures – including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment – positioning patient – ensuring comfort and privacy
Monitors patient during the procedure
Promote whole health initiatives to include but not limited to: Tele‑MOVE – Guided imagery. Conduct chart audits as assigned.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives
Facilitates Clinical Video Technology appointments
Check in and Check out Veterans on daily basis
Collaborates with PACT team review future appointments
Participates in daily huddles
Secure Messaging with appropriate response and recommendation within scope
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor – can be Assistant Nurse Manager or Nurse Manager
VA Careers – Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4. Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:45am – 4:15pm. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases when setting pay – a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual – based on prior work experience or military service experience.
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.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
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 Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 58256F – 58257F – 52862F – 58261F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized.
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The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and reports to the primary care nurse manager or primary care assistant nurse manager. The LPN is responsible for observing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient’s condition—both through in‑person care or through a virtual healthcare modality—as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient‑driven holistic care plan for life. The LPN is a member of the patient healthcare.
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
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
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above – 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‑03 – None beyond the basic requirements
LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g. – medication administration)
However – completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved
GS‑04 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
Or 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‑05 – Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients – family members – professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care
Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare – administer – and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral – topical – subcutaneous – intramuscular and/or intravenous medications
This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient’s condition
Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest
Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment – safety hazards – and supply deficiencies
GS‑06 – Proficiency in initiating – performing – and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations
Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient’s conditions – using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments – and accurately recognizing – reporting – and recording relevant patient information – Ability to observe – identify – and respond to a patient’s needs for care including medication – equipment‑assisted care – and patient/family education
In organizing and delivering care – the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional – socio‑economic – and age‑related factors
Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral – topical – subcutaneous – intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures
Observes for – documents – and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient’s condition from prescribed medications/treatments
Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed
Knowledge and understanding of human behavior – patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients – family members and other staff
Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes – to promote positive relationships – communication – and socialization skills
Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery
Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of customer service standards in all interactions with patients – family members – and/or other internal/external customers
Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures – which includes preparing the patient and assisting in the diagnostic examination – preparing – and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment – and monitoring the patient’s condition before – during – and following the procedure
Serves as a preceptor in orienting – educating – and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex – specialized tests/procedures
Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills – sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice
Preferred Experience: 1 Year ambulatory or clinic experience as a LPN
Possess communication and customer service etiquette
Ability to work cohesively with collogues and others in an health care setting
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‑06
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑04 to GS‑06
Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing – bending – reaching – crouching – stooping – stretching – and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals – record boxes – equipment or assisting patients
See https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
Major Duties: The LPN performs – reports and documents assigned nursing care in the Primary Care Clinics for both in person and virtual care modalities – including – but not limited to: Oxygen administration if applicable. Adhere to the PACT Nursing Protocols within scope of practice.
Medication administration to include Immunizations
Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated
Check expiration dates of meds and supplies
Delegated procedures and treatments
Documentation
Assists with minor procedures – including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment – positioning patient – ensuring comfort and privacy
Monitors patient during the procedure
Promote whole health initiatives to include but not limited to: Tele‑MOVE – Guided imagery. Conduct chart audits as assigned.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives
Facilitates Clinical Video Technology appointments
Check in and Check out Veterans on daily basis
Collaborates with PACT team review future appointments
Participates in daily huddles
Secure Messaging with appropriate response and recommendation within scope
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor – can be Assistant Nurse Manager or Nurse Manager
VA Careers – Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4. Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:45am – 4:15pm. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases when setting pay – a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual – based on prior work experience or military service experience.
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.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
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 Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 58256F – 58257F – 52862F – 58261F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized.
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