Licensed Practical Nurse (Spinal Cord Injury/Outpatient)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at an esteemed healthcare institution focused on providing comprehensive rehabilitative care for patients with spinal cord disorders. This role as a Licensed Practical Nurse offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives by delivering high-quality nursing care and support. You'll work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with a skilled team to enhance patient recovery and well-being. Ideal candidates will possess strong nursing skills, a commitment to patient care, and the ability to thrive under pressure. If you're passionate about healthcare and eager to contribute to a meaningful mission, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as an LPN.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations effectively.

Skills

Practical Nursing

BLS Certification

Patient Care

Emergency Response

Communication Skills

Education

Graduate of an approved nursing school

Military healthcare education

Job description

The Rocky Mountain Region Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC) Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Center provides comprehensive rehabilitative care for patients with spinal cord disorders. The goals of the program include understanding of altered body function with spinal cord injury/disorders and learning physical and social abilities to live a full, rich life.

Duties

Total Rewards of an Allied Health VA Career Brochure

Licensed Practical Nurse - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-LPN-Career-Flyer.pdf

Requirements

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.

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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.
• BLS: BLS certification is required.
• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) http://www.nlnac.org (copy of transcripts required)
• OR Healthcare education in the military service or training in the military service accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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

In addition to the Basic Requirements, candidates must meet requirements for each grade level applied for as outlined below:

GS-03:

None beyond basic requirements.

GS-04:

• Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.
• OR, Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience.
• OR, Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques.

GS-05:

• Requires at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
• Demonstrated 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 the nursing team and interact with patients, family, and staff, incorporating customer service standards.
• Knowledge to prepare, administer, and document actions for prescribed medications, including observation and documentation of patient's response.
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations, assisting in resuscitation if needed.
• Recognize equipment issues or safety hazards and report promptly.
• Work under supervision of an RN or MD/DO with a broad knowledge of practical nursing procedures.

GS-06:

• Requires at least 1 year of additional experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and fully meet all GS-5 performance requirements.
• Proficient in initiating, performing, and completing patient care duties for diverse patient populations.
• Knowledge to carry out patient care based on individual needs, recognize urgent/emergent situations, and initiate emergency interventions.
• Ability to understand human behavior and effectively work with patients and families.
• Support duties for complex tests or procedures, including preparation, assistance, and monitoring.
• Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing skills and share knowledge with staff.

Preferred Experience: SCI/D and/or Rehab experience preferred.

Reference:

For more info, visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level is GS-6. The range for applicant selection is GS-3 to GS-6.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, and manual dexterity. It involves long periods of standing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and other physical tasks to support patient care. The incumbent must demonstrate technical nursing skills, be flexible, and work effectively under stress, adapting to changing patient and unit needs.