Practical Nurse

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse/LPN/LVN to provide nursing care under supervision of the Nurse Manager, delivering high-quality health care and compassionate service to Veterans.

The role emphasizes patient education, collaboration with RNs and physicians, and maintaining a safe clinical environment. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with telework not available; virtual position not applicable.

Qualifications

• Education: graduate of a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
• United States citizenship is required.
• English language proficiency – spoken and written.
• Licensure – active, unrestricted LPN/LVN license in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems.
• Perform routine evaluations, observe condition, document findings.
• Educate patients and families about diseases, medications and treatments.
• Institute CPR when indicated.
• Coordinate clinic operations and manage medications and supplies.
• Respond to equipment issues and safety hazards.
• Perform assignments to support patient care under RN/MD supervision.
• Adhere to VA and ICARE values in practice.
• Set up or reprocess reusable medical equipment as applicable.
• Conduct unit-specific nursing interventions and procedures.

Education

Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing

Job description

Summary

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. The role is carried out under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee and requires advanced technical competence and skill.

Qualifications

• Applicants pending 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 is required.
• English language proficiency – spoken and written.
• Education – graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing.
• Licensure – full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory or Commonwealth (or District of Columbia).
• Qualifications at GS‑5 level: at least one year of qualifying experience at GS‑4 level or equivalent; demonstrated knowledge and skills (KSAs) in full range of practical nursing care, education of patients, collaboration with RN or MD/DO, medication administration, emergency response, etc.
• Qualifications at GS‑6 level: at least one year of qualifying experience at GS‑5 level or equivalent; advanced KSAs including technical proficiency, patient care, judgment, documentation, and emergency interventions.

Preferred Experience

1 year LPN experience preferred.

Duties

• Responsible for individual nursing practice and provision of practical nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems.
• Perform routine evaluations of patients, observe their condition, and document findings in the patient record.
• Provide effective education to patients and family members regarding disease processes, medications, and treatment regimes.
• Recognize and institute cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures when indicated.
• Coordinate clinic operations such as ordering supplies and maintaining medications.
• Respond to equipment breakage or safety hazards and report deficiencies.
• Perform assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers that are essential to patient care.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to guide patient goal setting.
• Adhere to the mission of the VA and ICARE values within nursing scope of practice.
• Set up or reprocess reusable medical equipment as applicable.
• Conduct unit specific nursing interventions and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Work schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 AM ‑ 4:30 PM; telework not available; virtual position not applicable.

Work Environment

Functional Statement #: 554‑57291A ‑ 554‑57292A. Relocation/recruitment incentives: not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized.