Licensed Practical Nurse
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Freeport, IL, United States
Overview
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval includes an award amount (up to $200,000) and an eligibility period (one to five years) determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application.
This position is for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) responsibilities within the VA system, requiring adherence to nursing standards, patient care, and collaboration with the health care team.
Responsibilities
Provide patient care and assistance for complex and specialized patients, including personal hygiene, positioning, elimination, and socialization in the clinic setting.
Initiate and collect patient data: vital signs, weights, oximetry, accuchecks, SLUMS, and specimen collection.
Initiate and perform specialized nonstandard and complex procedures (e.g., urinary bladder scanning, oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, ostomy care, EKG, spirometry).
Prepare, administer, and document medications and immunizations as directed, ensuring safety and accuracy; observe and report patient responses to medications.
Recognize emergency situations and initiate appropriate interventions in collaboration with RNs or MD/DO staff.
Identify safety hazards or equipment malfunctions and report for corrective action.
Support nursing team functions and coordinate with RNs/MDs/DOs for patient care planning and delivery.
Educate patients and families about disease processes, medications, and treatment plans.
Serve as a preceptor or mentor for less experienced staff, including LPNs/LVNs, NAs, and HTs, as appropriate.
Participate in PACT team activities, rounds, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Maintain patient privacy and dignity, align care with customer service standards, and support whole health principles in treatment planning.
Prepare and assist with diagnostic tests and procedures, including instrument handling and patient monitoring before, during, and after procedures.
Assist with clinic operations: scheduling, supplies management, equipment safety, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements
United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, per VA policy.
Licensure: Full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as an LPN/LVN in the United States (state, territory, or D.C.).
Licensure history: An LPN/LVN with revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or probationary status may be appointed only under VA policy.
Certification: Maintains current BLS certification.
Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency or accredited by NLNAC/other accrediting bodies at the time of program completion; or military education/experience meeting licensing requirements; or grandfathering provision for current VA employees in this occupation (where applicable).
Grandfathering provision may apply to current VA employees who meet criteria.
Grade Determinations
GS-3: No additional requirements beyond basic qualifications.
GS-4: Six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience or graduation from an approved school with 24+ months duration or one year of nursing care experience in a hospital/clinic/etc.
GS-5: Completion of 1 year of qualifying experience at GS-4 level or equivalent; demonstrated ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care; orient/train less experienced staff; educate patients/families; document and monitor medications; recognize emergency situations; collaborate with the team.
GS-6: At least one additional year of GS-5 level experience; proficient in initiating and completing assigned duties, organizing patient care, composing accurate documentation, recognizing urgent conditions, and supporting complex procedures; serves as a preceptor and participates in education; demonstrates broad nursing knowledge including patient education, safety, and customer service.
Duties
Provide direct patient care and support for complex patients in the clinic setting, including data collection and patient education.
Execute procedures, administer medications and vaccines per policy, and monitor patient responses.
Assist with diagnostic tests and procedures, including preparation, execution, and post-procedure care.
Maintain clinical operations, patient safety, and documentation within the electronic medical record and related systems.
Assist with orientation of new staff, participate in committees, and contribute to problem-solving and process improvement.
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, with specific hours listed; telework/virtual/remote not eligible.
Financial Disclosure: Not required.
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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval includes an award amount (up to $200,000) and an eligibility period (one to five years) determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application.
This position is for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) responsibilities within the VA system, requiring adherence to nursing standards, patient care, and collaboration with the health care team.
Responsibilities
Provide patient care and assistance for complex and specialized patients, including personal hygiene, positioning, elimination, and socialization in the clinic setting.
Initiate and collect patient data: vital signs, weights, oximetry, accuchecks, SLUMS, and specimen collection.
Initiate and perform specialized nonstandard and complex procedures (e.g., urinary bladder scanning, oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, ostomy care, EKG, spirometry).
Prepare, administer, and document medications and immunizations as directed, ensuring safety and accuracy; observe and report patient responses to medications.
Recognize emergency situations and initiate appropriate interventions in collaboration with RNs or MD/DO staff.
Identify safety hazards or equipment malfunctions and report for corrective action.
Support nursing team functions and coordinate with RNs/MDs/DOs for patient care planning and delivery.
Educate patients and families about disease processes, medications, and treatment plans.
Serve as a preceptor or mentor for less experienced staff, including LPNs/LVNs, NAs, and HTs, as appropriate.
Participate in PACT team activities, rounds, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Maintain patient privacy and dignity, align care with customer service standards, and support whole health principles in treatment planning.
Prepare and assist with diagnostic tests and procedures, including instrument handling and patient monitoring before, during, and after procedures.
Assist with clinic operations: scheduling, supplies management, equipment safety, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements
United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, per VA policy.
Licensure: Full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as an LPN/LVN in the United States (state, territory, or D.C.).
Licensure history: An LPN/LVN with revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or probationary status may be appointed only under VA policy.
Certification: Maintains current BLS certification.
Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency or accredited by NLNAC/other accrediting bodies at the time of program completion; or military education/experience meeting licensing requirements; or grandfathering provision for current VA employees in this occupation (where applicable).
Grandfathering provision may apply to current VA employees who meet criteria.
Grade Determinations
GS-3: No additional requirements beyond basic qualifications.
GS-4: Six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience or graduation from an approved school with 24+ months duration or one year of nursing care experience in a hospital/clinic/etc.
GS-5: Completion of 1 year of qualifying experience at GS-4 level or equivalent; demonstrated ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care; orient/train less experienced staff; educate patients/families; document and monitor medications; recognize emergency situations; collaborate with the team.
GS-6: At least one additional year of GS-5 level experience; proficient in initiating and completing assigned duties, organizing patient care, composing accurate documentation, recognizing urgent conditions, and supporting complex procedures; serves as a preceptor and participates in education; demonstrates broad nursing knowledge including patient education, safety, and customer service.
Duties
Provide direct patient care and support for complex patients in the clinic setting, including data collection and patient education.
Execute procedures, administer medications and vaccines per policy, and monitor patient responses.
Assist with diagnostic tests and procedures, including preparation, execution, and post-procedure care.
Maintain clinical operations, patient safety, and documentation within the electronic medical record and related systems.
Assist with orientation of new staff, participate in committees, and contribute to problem-solving and process improvement.
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, with specific hours listed; telework/virtual/remote not eligible.
Financial Disclosure: Not required.
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