Licensed Practical Nurse - Outpatient Surgery Clinics

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Federal benefits

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse/License Vocational Nurse to join the surgical care team. You will manage patient panels, administer medications, and coordinate with RNs and physicians to ensure high-quality care for veterans.

This role involves adherence to VA nursing standards, documentation, and teamwork across clinical areas. Applicants must meet licensure, English proficiency, and education requirements and operate under established policies.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required or eligible for appointment per VA policy.
• English proficiency for direct patient care.
• Graduate of a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, or military health education.
• Active, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in U.S. state or territory.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic nursing procedures and document patient responses.
• Monitor patients and report changes to RN/MD.
• Assist with minor procedures and ensure patient comfort.
• Maintain infection control and safe medication administration.
• Document in medical records and communicate with care team.
• Support patient education and discharge planning.

Skills

English proficiency

Nursing care knowledge

Medication administration

Customer service

Education

Diploma in Practical/Vocational Nursing

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care - positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LPN/LVN works alongside the surgical teams to manage a panel of patients across the surgical specialty care setting. He/she may be assigned to cross cover in other clinical areas within his/her competency level.

Summary

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care - positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LPN/LVN works alongside the surgical teams to manage a panel of patients across the surgical specialty care setting. He/she may be assigned to cross cover in other clinical areas within his/her competency level.

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) and 7407(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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) - at the time the program was completed
• OR Health care education obtained in the military service or training in the military service which was accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which you are licensed
• OR Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160 - enacted November 21 - 1983 - or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576 - enacted October 28 - 1986
• OR Granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
• Licensure: possess a 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 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: 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-4: At least six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• At this level LPN/LVNs are expected to exercise greater judgment - require less supervision - and to operate in accordance with all established policies - procedure - and techniques
• OR Graduate of an approved school 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 Graduate from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• GS-5: At least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-4 level under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO that has provided you with the following items below
• Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures
• however - completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes - medication - and /or prescribed treatment regimes
• Demonstrated knowledge and 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 and incorporating acceptable - established customer service standards into practice
• 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 to RN or MD/DO
• Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated - promptly seek the assistant of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardian and/or pulmonary arrest
• Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO
• Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures
• However - completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review
• GS-6: At least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-5 level that has provided you with the following: 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 - using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments - and accurately recognizing - reporting - and recording relevant patient information
• 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
• 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 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 - seeking assistance from the RN and/or MD/DO - 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
• PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CONTINUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties to include but not limited to the following: Performs basic nursing procedures such as vital signs - treatments - and specimen collection in accordance with nursing policies and procedures
• Uses guidelines or receives directions in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines
• Demonstrates competence in placing order per policy
• Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient’s response
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient’s condition requiring higher level intervention
• Performs - reports - and records assigned nursing care - including - but not limited to oxygen therapy - clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated - check expiration dates of meds and supplies
• Assists with minor procedures - including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment - positioning patient - ensuring comfort and privacy
• Monitors patient during the procedure
• Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication - vaccinations - and reading Tuberculosis skin tests
• Appropriate documents in the medical record
• Demonstrates understanding of age- and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran
• Based on the patient’s goals - provides patient and family health education - to include self- management - prevention - and wellness
• Adheres to principles of infection control - safety - and universal precautions
• Demonstrate competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties
• Obtains electrocardiograms (EKG) on patients as directed by physician orders
• Convey the results of the EKG to the provider or RN
• Informs Nurse Manager - Team Leader - or designated Charge Nurse of problems and potential problems
• Establishes constructive relationships with employees and co-workers to promote interaction and communication
• Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development - implementation - and evaluation of the patient’s treatment plan
• Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: -08693F - -08694F - -08695F - -08696F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized