Licensed Practical Nurse

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.

01Basic 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 accredited by the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant.

Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website.

Exceptions include: (1) Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. (2) VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C.

7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576,enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. (3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C.

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. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. English Language Proficiency.

Licensed practical or vocational nurses 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).

02Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, 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-6 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.

Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. 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/LVN 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.

03Preferred Experience

Primary Care experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

04Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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).

VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include, but are not limited to: Proficient in initiating, performing, and completing structured/focused health screenings or the equivalent, delivering appropriate nursing interventions, promoting patient safety, and ensuring smooth clinic flow, while reinforcing patient education, preventive care, and continuity of services across the care experience.

Completes preventive procedures, nursing tasks, chart reviews, panel scrubbing, daily huddles, and visit preparation. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants (NAs)/health technicians (HTs). Supports efficient clinic operations by completing screening reminders, rooming patients, assisting providers, managing room turnover, and conducting pre-visit calls to prepare patients for labs and procedures.

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.

Performs schedule management by reviewing upcoming appointments, identifying opportunities for alternate care modalities, facilitating consult tracking, and serving as backup for post-discharge calls. Utilizes clinic tools and workflows, participating in PACT meetings and helping maintain continuity, coordination, and quality of care across the team.

Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Provides technically proficient patient-centered care by confirming the reason for visit, conducting pre-visit outreach, reinforcing instructions, and ensuring Veterans bring needed logs, equipment, and health information.

Performs pre-visit planning by reviewing records, obtaining missing documentation, updating changes in conditions or treatments, and preparing clinical data to support an efficient, high-quality appointment with general review by a supervisor, RN, or provider. Manages efficient clinic flow by rooming patients, collecting vital data, completing assigned clinical reminders, assisting providers with procedures, administering medications and immunizations, and maintaining clean, stocked exam rooms.

Uses judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; supports clinical decision-making by reviewing medications and allergies, identifying urgent needs, initiating nursing protocols or clinical pathways as locally approved, and communicating key findings to the RN or provider.

Seeks opportunities to enhance team functioning through health coaching, patient education, secure message management, consult tracking, participation in PACT meetings, and follow-up with no-show patients to ensure safety and continuity of care.

Supports and seeks opportunities to enhance team operations by participating in pre-planning, daily huddles, and team meetings, and by assisting with patient care activities such as immunizations, injections, procedures, prevention efforts, and serving as a chaperone when appropriate.

Collaborates with the PACT to achieve access, continuity, quality, and patient-experience goals, contributing to panel management through schedule review, identifying appropriate visit modalities, and completing or routing secure messages with only general review. Ensures an organized and efficient clinical environment by keeping exam rooms clean and stocked, managing supplies and equipment, and performing required quality control checks. Perform other assigned duties.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Functional Statement #: 99264-FS Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.