Practical Nurse

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) to provide direct patient care in a VA Eastern Colorado Health Care setting.

The role emphasizes clinical nursing duties, patient safety, and compassionate service to Veterans within an organized healthcare environment. The position requires completion of an approved practical nursing program and an active license, with English proficiency and adherence to VA standards.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
• Active, unrestricted LPN/LVN license in the United States.
• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be considered only as allowed by VA policy.
• English language proficiency for direct patient care.
• GS-6 requires one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level.

Responsibilities

• Provide the full range of practical nursing care to patients with diverse physical and behavioral conditions.
• Perform routine patient evaluations, observe symptoms, and monitor responses to treatments.
• Document in patient records and report significant deviations to RN or provider.
• Educate patients and families about diseases, medications, and treatment plans.
• Coordinate ordering and maintenance of supplies and medications; manage data in patient records.
• Recognize urgent or emergent care needs and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.

Education

Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the State agency

Job description

Summary

This position is located at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs. 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.

Summary

This position is located at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs. 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.

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
• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• 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: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in [both] spoken and written English
• GRADE DETERMINATION In addition to the basic requirements - the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade
• The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade
• GS-06 Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent - fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN
• 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
• to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments
• and to accurately recognize - report and record relevant patient information
• Ability to observe - identify and respond to the patient's needs for care - including medication - equipment-assisted care and patient/family education
• In organizing and delivering care - the LPN recognizes and considers emotional - cultural - spiritual - 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 - seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO - and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior - patient motivations and reactions to situations - and 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 - and 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 established customer service standards in all interactions with patients - family members - and/or other internal/external customers
• Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures - which include preparing the patient - assisting in the diagnostic examination - preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment - and monitoring the patient's condition before - during - and following the procedure
• 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 - sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice
• References: VA Handbook 5005/3 - Part II - Appendix G13 VA Qualification Standards The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Preferred Experience: One (1) year LPN and Primary Care experience preferred.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT - applications will be accepted until 12/31/2026 or until vacancies are filled
• Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available
• VA offers a Comprehensive Total Rewards package: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
• Licensed Practical Nurse - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-LPN-Career-Flyer.pdf
• Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include - but are not limited to: Duties include but are not limited to: The LPN/LVN GS-6 is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice
• 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 patents' conditions
• to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments
• and to accurately recognize - report and record relevant patient information
• The incumbent provides a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Is able to perform routine evaluation of patients while in the clinic setting by obtaining current symptoms and complaints - observing the patient's condition - behavior - and response to treatments and/or medications
• Documents appropriate information in the patient record and reports and significant deviations to the RN and/or provider
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes - medication - and/or prescribed treatment regimes
• Recognizes the need for and institutes cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures when indicated in accordance with established medical center policy and procedure
• Independently performs coordinating duties related to the operation of the clinic such as ordering and maintaining supplies and medications and obtaining patient data
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• Performs other assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers which are essential to patient care and appropriate personnel for corrective action
• Performs other assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers which are essential to patient care andappropriate to the incumbent's level of training
• Uses motivational interviewing techniques to guide patients to establish goals
• The incumbent practices within their nursing scope of practice and functional level - demonstrating and promoting the mission Of the VA and ICARE values
• Set up or reprocess Reusable Medical Equipment as applicable for all equipment for which you have been trained
• Work Schedule: Full-time | Monday to Friday | 8:00am am to 4:30pm 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)
• 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 #: 554-99264-FS Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.