Licensed Practical Nurse - Primary Care

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for the Nashville VA PACT Clinic. This role involves providing high-quality patient care to a diverse veteran population, demonstrating independent judgment and critical thinking. Responsibilities include direct patient care, medication administration, and collaborating with healthcare teams. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and experience in primary care.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of LPN experience, including 1 year at the GS-6 level.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Assessing patient needs and providing care within scope of practice.
• Collaborating with team members to develop and modify patient care plans.
• Administering medications and monitoring patient responses.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Patient Education

Communication

Education

Accredited Practical or Vocational Nursing Program

Job description

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, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

VA LPN Specialty Pay Scale VA25

The LPN, Primary Care GS-7, reports to the Nurse Manager in Primary Care at Nashville VA PACT Clinic in Nashville, TN. The role requires demonstrating independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision.

The GS-7 LPN must possess an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills for complex care assignments within the Primary Care Clinics serving a Veteran population with diverse healthcare needs. This includes exhibiting independent technical judgment, critical thinking skills, and the ability to carry out complex practices and procedures. Employees at this level demonstrate broader skills in these responsibilities, including prioritization and coordination of clinical activities with minimal supervision. The role involves collaborating within a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) to provide high-quality, timely care to a diverse patient panel, including geriatric, wartime-era, female, and patients with complex psychiatric needs.

Responsibilities include performing direct patient care activities appropriate to the assignment, such as:

• Assessing patient needs and providing care within scope of practice.
• Collaborating with team members to develop and modify patient care plans.
• Administering medications and treatments accurately.
• Monitoring patient responses and recognizing subtle changes in physical and emotional states.
• Assisting in addressing patient needs for medication and treatments, including recognizing potential adverse reactions.
• Participating in emergency situations and intervening appropriately to ensure patient safety.
• Supporting patients and families in health promotion and lifestyle changes.
• Contributing to quality improvement initiatives and patient satisfaction efforts.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
• Graduate of an accredited practical or vocational nursing program.
• Current, unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in the U.S.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.

May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision if applicable.

Grade Determinations

The GS-7 level is for complex LPN/LVN positions requiring:

• At least 3 years of LPN experience, including 1 year at the GS-6 level or equivalent.
• Knowledge of specialized patient care duties and ability to develop and modify treatment plans.
• Ability to assist in prioritizing and modifying patient care, recognize subtle changes, and respond appropriately.
• Proficiency in medication administration and recognizing adverse reactions.
• Ability to recognize urgent or emergent situations and intervene effectively.
• Skills in patient education and communication, especially with difficult patients.
• Participation in quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives.

Preferred Experience:

Primary Care

References:

VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform duties involving lifting (30 lbs or more), twisting, bending, standing, and walking as detailed in VA Handbook 5005, Part III, Chapter 2, paragraph 7, and VA Handbook 5019.