Summary
The Geriatric and Extended Care (GEC) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a direct care provider who, under close supervision of an RN, delivers nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems. Assists in dealing with patients with chronic disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac and pulmonary disease), as well as acute episodes of illness. Demonstrates ability to exercise judgment and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
Duties
Assignments associated with this position include, but are not limited to:
(GS4)
1. Assists the Registered Nurse in the coordination of patient care activities with other department by preparing patients for scheduled appointments/tests/procedures.
2.Provides nursing care to patients including bathing, feeding, shaving, administering enemas, suppositories, warm and cold compresses and simple medicated dressings.
3.Observes, reports, and records physical and behavioral changes in patient status.
4.Takes and records patients' blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, and collects specimens.
5.Provides and assists with lifting and positioning of patients, utilizing proper body mechanics and lifting devices as appropriate.
6.Assists the Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Registered Nurse with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
7.Applies external urinary devices, safety devices, and other supportive devices as indicated or prescribed including restraints.
8.Reports and records current observations such as patient physical condition, variations in vital signs, emotional responses, and results of procedures.
9.Administers oral, topical, subcutaneous/intramuscular and intradermal medications, may calculate medication dosages, observe effectiveness of medications, and document in the patient's record.
10.Demonstrates knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved medical center policies and procedures.
11.Administers and records treatments such as ostomy irrigations, tracheotomy care, catheterizations, and internal tube feedings.
12.Initiates CPR in critical emergencies.
13.Performs oral and tracheal suction through mouth or established tube, such as tracheotomy.
(GS5)
1.Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
2.Demonstrates the ability to orient/train less experienced LPNs and/or Nursing Assistants/ Health Technicians in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery.
3.Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes.
4.Demonstrates ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care.
5.Demonstrates knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribe oral, topical. subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved medical center policies and procedures.
6.Observes and documents patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD.
7.Provides nursing care for patients that require a respirator/ventilator.
8.Recognizes the need for and institutes emergency measures when indicated, and assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
9.Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
(GS6)
1.Processes Community Care-GEC Nonskilled Homemaker Consults using the Health Share Referral Manager, CPRS, and other recognized electronic software to schedule, generate referrals and create authorizations for Veterans receiving Nonskilled care in the community.
2.The LPN must create authorizations accurately and timely following Office of Community Care procedures and guidelines.
3.Actively participates in vendor management.
5.Performs electronic or telephonic contacts to complete the documentation required for initiating referrals/authorizations processed.
6.Follows up with community vendors to ensure appointment completion and obtaining medical records as required.
7.Obtains medical documentation from community providers, scans to appropriate consults within CPRS, and alerts VA providers for continuity of care. Coordinates internal and external care between customers and providers
8.Assists in collecting performance improvement data for skilled and unskilled care, including patient satisfaction surveys.
9.Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations.
10.Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule:8:00AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday Work Schedule subject to change based on agency needs
Telework:Eligible for AD-HOC telework
Virtual:This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:08203A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentive:Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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 accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed.
Exceptions include:
- Military training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction of licensure.
- Certain VHA employees converted under Public Law 98-160 or 99-576.
- Individuals licensed in jurisdictions that do not require graduation from an approved school (see waiver criteria).
-
Licensure:
Must possess a full, active, current, and unrestricted license as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
-
Physical Standards:
Must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
-
English Language Proficiency:
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:
GS-4:
Must meet one of the following:
- Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN; OR
- Graduation from an approved school and one (1) year of experience in nursing care work in a medical setting; OR
- Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
LPNs at this level perform all duties expected at GS-3 with greater independence and judgment.
GS-5:
- Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Provide full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical/behavioral problems.
- Educate patients/families on disease processes, medications, and treatments.
- Serve as a responsible member of the nursing team.
- Prepare, administer, and document medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, IM, IV).
- Recognize and respond to emergencies; assist in resuscitation.
- Identify and report equipment/supply issues.
- Work under general supervision with broad knowledge of nursing procedures.
GS-6:
- Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Technically proficient in providing care to diverse patient populations.
- Use judgment in selecting procedures and treatments.
- Observe and respond to patient needs (medication, equipment, education).
- Administer medications and treatments; document and report changes.
- Recognize urgent/emergent situations and initiate interventions.
- Understand human behavior and patient motivations.
- Establish therapeutic relationships with patients/families.
- Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests/procedures.
- Serve as a preceptor for less experienced staff.
- Actively seek educational opportunities and share knowledge.
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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-6.
Physical Requirements: Applicants
must meet physical standards as outlined in
VA Directive and Handbook 5019
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/.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link
https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12891924.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.