Practical Nurse Job in Bedford, MA

Vacancy No. CBTD-12772470-25-JG Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $63,079.00 to $97,677.00 Grade 3 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/30/2025 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Bedford, MA


Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. Note: Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.

Duties

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

This Practical Nurse position is located in the Nursing Service (Mental Health) at the Bedford VA Healthcare Medical Center, in Bedford, Massachusetts. This announcement is intended to fill multiple vacancies throughout the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford, MA. Available shifts could be days, evenings, nights, or include weekends/holidays to cover shortages or high patient volume. Shift changes will be considered based on patient and facility needs.

Under the direct supervision of the RN, MD, DO, NP or PA the Practical Nurse is held accountable for delivering direct patient care to adult through geriatric aged patients. He/she recognizes the age-related needs and demonstrates knowledge and care appropriate to that age group. He/she considers the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the patients, demonstrates competence, and correctly provides appropriate care for that age group or groups.

Major Duties in addition to basic Practical Nurse duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Collects data and collaborates in the assessment of the health status of a patient.
  • Implements aspects of the plan of care as delegated.
  • Participates in the evaluation of patient responses to interventions.
  • Participates in health teaching and counseling to promote, attain, and maintain the optimum health level of patients, as delegated.
  • Recognizes, reports and records promptly all changes in physical condition and behavior of patients.
  • Completes routine documentation of results of care and treatment according to policy, guidelines, instructions, (e.g. flow sheets) utilizing the electronic record and information network.
  • Differentiates between emergent and non-emergent conditions. Reports promptly and accurately records critical/emergency situations.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and /or behavioral problems.
  • Demonstrates a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO.
  • Technically efficient 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.
  • Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment assisted care and patient/family education.
  • Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex, diagnostic tests and /or specialized practices or procedures.
  • Inpatient Units - Part of being an employee with the Bedford VA includes taking care of all of the veterans across the hospital. All inpatient units include Mental Health, Acute Psychiatric, Long Term Psychiatric, Residential, Long Term Care, Short Term Care, Hospice, Rehabilitation, and Dementia. All staff are required and may have to float to support the needs of the inpatient units.
Work Schedule: Multiple tours available; to be discussed at interview and determined on selection.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Authorized (Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN1 EDRP Support VISN1EDRPSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: F1966, F1967, F1968, F1969
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Notifications:
  • This position is in the Excepted Service.
  • This position is a NAGE bargaining unit position.
  • This position is covered by a special rate.
  • This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2025. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
  • Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.
  • Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
  • Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.

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.
  • You may be required to serve a trial period.
  • 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.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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: Practical Nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
  • 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. EXCEPTION:
    • 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.
    • VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted 11/21/83, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted 10/28/86 & 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.
    • Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C.
  • License: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia.
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: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements, applicants will need to meet the grade level requirements, and the Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). To meet the grade level requirement the applicants must have the following listed below:

Requirements for GS-3 Grade: None beyond the basic requirements.

Requirements for GS-4 Grade:
  • Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR
  • Graduation from an approved school and 1 year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; OR
  • Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
Requirements for GS-5 Grade: Possess Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent; AND

Demonstrated the following KSAs:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Work with RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provide effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes.
  2. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.
  3. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, & appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies & procedures. Observation & documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO.
  4. Knowledge & ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO, & assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.
  5. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards & supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
  6. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures.
Requirements for GS-6 Grade: Possess completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.; AND

Demonstrated the following KSA's:
  1. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
  2. 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 MD/DO for appropriateness & conformity with established policies/procedures.
  3. Ability to observe, identify & 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 & considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.
  4. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) & 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.
  5. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, & initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
  6. Knowledge & understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations & ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members & other staff.
  7. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication & socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient & family rights to privacy & dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge & understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers.
  8. 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 & handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, & monitoring the patient's condition before, during & 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.
  9. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve & advance nursing practice.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G13. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

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 3 to GS 6.

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. Transferring patients and objects may be required. 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. The incumbent must be flexible and sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete Employee Health requirements.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2025. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

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.

Benefits

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:

  • Resume

Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information each job listed:
1. Job title
2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
3. Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
4. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your résumé. Be sure that your résumé clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

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. You will not be contacted for additional information.

  • Cover Letter
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

An incomplete application will receive a rating of IFFM (ineligible due to missing forms). Requests for reconsideration will not be considered for applicants who fail to submit a complete application package. We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software or fax transmissions.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Veterans' Preference: Since the position is listed as a staffing shortage, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

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 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12772470.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Junelle Gabriel
Address
VA Bedford Healthcare System
200 Springs Road
Bedford, MA 01730
US

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), 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. This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2025. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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