Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Functions/Responsibility:

1. Possesses the knowledge and skills to carry out more specialized patient care activities. This knowledge base includes the use of veteran care data to initiate active contributions to the veteran's overall health plan. Observations of veteran's present status are made and interventions implemented to improve, restore or maintain the optimal function of the veteran.
2. Has knowledge of program regulations and is able to carry out objectives of the Nursing program. In doing this, follows the guidelines to meet and maintain program requirements.
3. Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur. This plan of care is completed with general review and co-signature by the RN or MD, utilizing a broad knowledge base and expertise to develop and modify treatment plans to meet the veteran and the family's expectations.
4. Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the Medical Center. Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN), and or Health Care Provider (HCP).
5. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, Intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. The LPN/LVN observes physical and/or emotional changes in patient's health condition, which may include prescribed medications/treatments, to promptly and accurately documenting identified changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN/HCP.
6. Takes appropriate actions based upon communications, observations, veteran care reports, provider/staff discussion. Reports changes to provider and demonstrates the knowledge and ability to effectively intervene and recommend and implement strategies that assure optimal, safe and effective care.
7. Assists other staff to prioritize the overall veteran care needs and adjusts the plan of care as needed. Has astute assessment skills, which allow for observation of obvious and subtle changes in the veteran's health condition. Responds diligently to the veteran changes and deteriorating conditions in emergent situations, notifying appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
8. Accurately and consistently reports and records significant veteran information received from other team members and can analyze and implement modifications based on these reports.
9. Is adept at encouraging and communicating with challenging psychological and physical behaviors to promote optimal functioning. Uses treatment modalities and implements appropriate practices and procedures with complex patients. Utilizes skills to influence and communicate with difficult and challenging veterans and families.
10. Demonstrates the ability to work independently without the need for readily available supervision and communicates effectively with the veteran, families, caregivers, professionals, and other supportive staff.
11. Demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform treatments, procedures and the use and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment appropriate to assigned duties.
12. Exhibits skill, creativity, and initiative by contributing to the overall veteran care delivery, and improving satisfaction, through active participation on committees, task forces and groups.
13. Utilizes sustainable practices to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Familiarizes self with how work activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. Shall be a good steward of the environment by preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and continually improving environmental programs.
14. Supports the team in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing staff or non-medical staff to ensure safe patient care delivery.

Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm; Monday thru Friday
Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 92978-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

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 identification 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.
· English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
· 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. Exceptions include 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN.
· Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or
Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for GS-07.

The PACT GS7 LPN provides nursing care to patients with chronic, acute, and terminal health problems, with minimal supervision of a registered nurse/provider. Performs the functions of the PACT GS7 LPN and in addition, is responsible for primary nursing care to an assigned group of selected patients and is responsible for the plan of action in carrying out patient care assignments. Implements basic and advanced LPN procedures as defined by policies and procedures of the Columbus ACC:
a. Independently triages and prioritizes patient needs as emergent, urgent, or nonurgent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/ treatment as needed. Will consult with provider or RN if they feel there is a decision outside of their scope of practice. Collects data on the physical (vital signs, weight, blood work, etc.) and psychological needs of assigned patients.
b. Recognizes and applies data related to the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural needs from patient, family, significant others, health care providers, and/or agencies in the community.
c. Safely handles, prepares, administers and records medications and treatments in accordance with policy.
d. Recognizes subtle abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and notifies the RN Care Manager (RNCM); promptly seeks the assistance of the RNCM or provider.
e. Recognizes the need for and initiates action in emergencies, i.e., cardiac/respiratory arrest, seizures, and/or assaultive behavior. Knows how to therapeutically care for the mental health patient and provides appropriate intervention in the suicidal/homicidal patient. Works in collaboration with mental health and specialty staff and gives comprehensive hand-off reports on the patient's condition.
f. Based on the patient's goals, provides patient and family health education, and executes skills, such as motivational interviewing to promote patient self management, prevention and wellness. Takes an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles to increase positive patient outcomes. Provides one-on-one or group teaching as appropriate (weight management, smoking cessation, hypertension). Communicates calmly, courteously, and tactfully with all patients, personnel, and visitors- maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA regulations and medical center policies.
g. Correctly performs nursing care procedures and performs support duties for complex and specialized practices. Assists the provider and/or nurse with therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, including skin biopsies, joint aspirations, phlebotomies, pap smears, pelvic examinations, minor eye surgeries, and minor GU procedures. Obtains and arranges necessary equipment.
h. Documents care appropriately in Cerner EMHR and clears all clinical recommendations; completes health history screenings per templated note, completes Preventative Health Screen, Outpatient Surveys.

GS-07 - Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the
GS-6 LPN/LVN.

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-07.

Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Transcripts-Nursing School
• License-Nursing
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Next steps