Outpatient Specialty Licensed Practical Nurse

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37–50 days annual paid time off

Child care subsidy

Federal health insurance

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Charleston, South Carolina, is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse. The role requires a nursing degree, active license, and proficiency in patient care. Responsibilities include providing nursing care, administering medications, and maintaining documentation.

This position offers competitive salary, paid time off up to 50 days annually, and various benefits including health and retirement plans. Join us to make a difference in veterans' health.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet specified eligibility requirements.
• Proficient in English as a requirement for patient care.
• Full, active, unrestricted nursing license.

Responsibilities

• Provide a range of practical nursing care to patients.
• Assist in administering medications and treatments.
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient care.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing

Job description

Summary

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 complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications

• 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 accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the ACEN
• 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: LPN/LVN appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both 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: (1) GS‑3. None beyond the basic requirements
• (2) GS‑4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN (b) Graduation from 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• (3) GS‑5. (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent. (b) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems (c) Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel in delivery of patient care (d) Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer and document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures (e) Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek assistance of an RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action (g) Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO (h) Broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures; completion of more complex practices may be subject to higher‑level review
• (4) GS‑6. (a) Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS‑5 LPN/LVN. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations (c) Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions (d) Use of judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments (e) Accurate recognition, reporting and recording of patient information (f) Ability to observe, identify and respond to patient needs for care, including medication and equipment‑assisted care and patient/family education (g) Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions, and ability to use this knowledge to work effectively with patients, family members and staff (h) Establish constructive relationships with patients and families, promoting positive communication and socialization skills (i) Foster respect for patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery (j) Incorporate customer service standards in all interactions (k) Perform support duties for complex diagnostic and specialized procedures, including preparing the patient, assisting in examinations and monitoring conditions
• 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 and shares new knowledge with other staff to improve practice.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

Duties

• VA Careers – Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4.
• Total rewards of an allied health professional. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient’s conditions.
• Must use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.
• Proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Ability to observe, identify and respond to patient needs for care, including medication, equipment‑assisted care and patient/family education.
• Organize and deliver care while considering emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio‑economic and age‑related factors.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and perform treatments according to established policies.
• Observe for physical and/or emotional changes in patient’s condition from prescribed medication or treatment, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes and reporting any deviations to RN or MD/DO.
• Recognize urgent and emergent patient‑care situations, seek assistance from RN or MD/DO and initiate appropriate emergency interventions.
• Understand human behavior, patient motivations and reactions, and use this knowledge to work effectively with patients, family members and staff.
• Establish constructive relationships with patients and families, promote positive communication.
• Foster an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery.
• Incorporate customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members and other stakeholders.
• Perform support duties for complex diagnostic and specialized procedures, including preparing patients, assisting in examinations and monitoring conditions.
• Serve as a preceptor in orienting, educating and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs in support duties for specialized tests or procedures.
• Actively seek out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge with other staff.
• Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
• Recruitment incentive – not authorized.
• Permanent change of station – not authorized.
• EDRP authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact: [e-mail] – EDRP coordinator for questions and assistance.
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; subject to higher step rate if higher or unique qualifications or special needs apply.
• Paid time off: 37–50 days annual paid time offered per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service.
• Parental leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth, adoption or foster care placement.
• Child care subsidy: After 60 days of employment – eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of eligible costs for employees with a total family income below $144,000.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contributions.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care and additional programs available and may be carried into retirement.
• Telework: Not available.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 61386F – 61389F – 61414F – 61415F.