Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (Mental Health)

Veterans Health Administration

Bedford (MA)

On-site

USD 64,000 - 99,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Bedford, MA seeks a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (Mental Health) for the Bedford VA Healthcare System. This full-time nursing role covers inpatient mental health, with shifts including days, evenings, nights, and weekends as needed.

The Practical Nurse will collect health data, implement care plans, document results, teach patients, and monitor changes in condition across diverse patient populations. Federal benefits and compensation apply.

Responsibilities

Collects data and collaborates in the assessment of the health status of a patient.
Implements aspects of the plan of care as delegated.
Participates in the evaluation of patient responses to interventions.
Participates in health teaching and counseling to promote, attain, and maintain the optimum health level of patients.
Recognizes, reports and records promptly all changes in physical condition and behavior of patients.
Completes routine documentation of results of care and treatment according to policy, guidelines, instructions, (e.g. flow sheets) utilizing the electronic record and information network.
Differentiates between emergent and non-emergent conditions and reports promptly.
Provides a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
Demonstrates a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures under supervision.
Carries out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions and supports diagnostic tests and procedures.

Job description

Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (Mental Health)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located in the Nursing Service (Mental Health) Inpatient Mental Health / Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at the VA Bedford Healthcare System, in Bedford, MA. This is a Full-Time position at 40-hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This Practical Nurse position is located in the Nursing Service (Mental Health) at the Bedford VA Healthcare Medical Center, in Bedford, Massachusetts. This announcement is intended to fill multiple vacancies throughout the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford, MA. Available shifts could be days, evenings, nights, or include weekends/holidays to cover shortages or high patient volume.

Shift changes will be considered based on patient and facility needs. Major Duties in addition to basic Practical Nurse duties include, but are not limited to: Collects data and collaborates in the assessment of the health status of a patient. Implements aspects of the plan of care as delegated. Participates in the evaluation of patient responses to interventions.

Participates in health teaching and counseling to promote, attain, and maintain the optimum health level of patients, as delegated. Recognizes, reports and records promptly all changes in physical condition and behavior of patients. Completes routine documentation of results of care and treatment according to policy, guidelines, instructions, (e.g. flow sheets) utilizing the electronic record and information network.

Differentiates between emergent and non-emergent conditions. Reports promptly and accurately records critical/emergency situations. Provides a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and /or behavioral problems. Demonstrates a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO.

Technically efficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Appropriately carries out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions. Observes, identifies and responds to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment assisted care and patient/family education. Performs support duties for complex, diagnostic tests and /or specialized practices or procedures.

Inpatient Units - Part of being an employee with the Bedford VA includes taking care of all of the veterans across the hospital. All inpatient units include Mental Health, Acute Psychiatric, Long Term Psychiatric, Residential, Long Term Care, Short Term Care, Hospice, Rehabilitation, and Dementia. All staff are required and may have to float to support the needs of the inpatient units.

Preferred Experience: 1 year experience in Mental Health/Detox Work Schedule: Multiple tours available; to be discussed at interview and determined on selection. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (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 #: F1966, F1967, F1968, F1969 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Notifications: This is an open continuous announcement until January 22, 2027. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment. This position is covered by a special rate.

Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.

Requirements & Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $63709 - $98657/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2027-01-22.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.