Licensed Practical Nurse - Outpatient Primary Care

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Castle Rock seeks an Outpatient Primary Care Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) to provide patient-centered nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse or provider. The role emphasizes safe, efficient outpatient operations and teamwork within the healthcare team.

Candidates must meet licensure requirements and English proficiency, with preferred experience in primary or ambulatory care.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
• Full, active, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure.
• English language proficiency for direct patient care.

Responsibilities

• Provide technically proficient, patient-centered nursing care under RN/provider supervision.
• Administer medications and perform treatments per policy.
• Monitor patient conditions and document changes accurately.
• Collaborate with the nursing and medical team to ensure safe, efficient care.

Skills

LPN/LVN license

Patient care

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) diploma

Job description

This position is located at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs | Castle Rock VA Clini
c. The primary purpose of the Outpatient Primary Care Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) is to provide technically proficient, patient-centered nursing care under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse (RN) or provider, supporting safe, efficient clinical operations and contributing to high-quality care within the healthcare team 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English.

In addition to the basic requirements, 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-06

• Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
• Technically proficient 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 patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.
• Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, 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 physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.
• 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.
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and 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, and 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 established 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 include preparing the patient, 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 VA Qualification Standards

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

Preferred Experience

Two (2) years LPN experience and one (1) year primary care/ ambulatory care experience.