Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Federal holidays

Traditional federal pension

Federal health/vision/dental insurance

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, CT seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join the Mental Health Clinic within the Nursing, Mental Health Service.

The LPN will support clinical care under the Nurse Manager, delivering medication administration, patient assessment and education, and care coordination in a fast-paced setting. The position requires current LPN licensure, strong communication, and the ability to document patient status accurately.

Qualifications

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with current state license.
• Demonstrated ability to perform nursing duties in a Mental Health setting.
• Strong patient communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned nursing duties to support quality health care and patient safety.
• Administer prescribed medications via oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and IV routes as policies allow.
• Obtain and record patient information, monitor changes, and report deviations promptly to the Nurse Manager.
• Provide patient and family education and support to promote understanding and adherence to care plans.
• Serve as a preceptor to junior LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs when needed.

Skills

Medication administration

Nursing assessment

Patient education

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
• Schedule: Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm

This Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position is located in the Mental Health Clinic within the Nursing, Mental Health Service at West Haven, CT. The primary purpose of the LPN 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.

Key Responsibilities

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position is located in the Nursing, Mental Health Service at West Haven, CT. The LPN performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee. The LPN is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice.

Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Is knowledgeable and has the ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patents' conditions. Uses judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments 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, recognizes and considers emotional, 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 Nurse Manager or designee. Recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the Nurse Manager or designee, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.

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.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm 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 #: F08486 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 $45164 - $79676/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-09.

What is the work schedule?

This is a Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.