At the full performance level, the incumbent performs assigned duties under general supervision to promote quality health care and positive customer service. Responsibilities include administering medications, providing basic nursing care, assisting in patient care planning, ensuring patient safety, collaborating with healthcare teams, and handling complex diagnostic support. Follows established policies and procedures, seeking higher-level review for complex practices and emergency situations. 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 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: 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 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. 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. 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, 4/10/2003 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: This position requires Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, Straight pulling (1 hour), Pushing (1-3 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (4 hours), Standing (2-7 hours), Kneeling (2 hours), Repeated bending (2 hours), Climbing, use of legs and arms, Both legs required, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Specific visual requirement of 20/40 DVA; corrected, Both eyes required, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted), Sitting (8 hours), Simple grasping (2-4 hours) Fine manipulation (including keyboarding 4-6 hours), Twisting (2 hours), Mental and emotional stability. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, 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-3: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one 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. GS-5 Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the 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. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. 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. 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 local facility policies and procedures. Observation and 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. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. **QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED BELOW IN EDUCATION SECTION ["Licensed Practical Nurse - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-LPN-Career-Flyer.pdf We're excited to invite you to a vibrant community where rich history meets modern living. In San Antonio, you'll enjoy a diverse culinary scene, top-rated schools, and a thriving job market. With affordable living and the scenic beauty of the River Walk, San Antonio offers the perfect blend of work and play. Make the move and be a part of a dynamic city full of endless opportunities and warm hospitality. Welcome to your new home in San Antonio! At Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, we are dedicated to providing top-notch healthcare to our nation's heroes. Located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, our state-of-the-art facility offers cutting-edge medical services, compassionate care, and a supportive community. Be part of a team that honors the legacy of Audie L. Murphy by delivering excellence in patient care and advancing medical innovation. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our veterans. Join us and be a part of something truly meaningful! GS-3 (Entry Level) Perform basic nursing care under close supervision Administer medications and follow procedures as per guidelines Assist in the care of patients with predictable health care needs Report patient data and assist in developing care plans Implement patient care plans within legal and ethical parameters Identify and report alterations in patient responses Provide basic patient and family education Ensure patient safety and follow all relevant safety standards Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams GS-4 Perform nursing care with greater judgment and less supervision Administer medications and perform nursing tasks as per established policies Assist in developing and implementing patient care plans Identify and report changes in patient condition Provide patient education and assist in coordinating resources Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a safe environment Communicate and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams Supervise nursing care provided by other LVNs or unlicensed personnel GS-5 Provide a full range of practical nursing care with general supervision Administer medications and document patient responses Recognize and respond to emergency situations Educate patients and families about disease processes and treatments Coordinate patient care and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams Ensure patient safety and adhere to safety protocols Supervise and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and Nursing Assistants Participate in the development of patient care plans GS-6 Perform all nursing duties with technical proficiency and general supervision Carry out complex nursing procedures with minimal guidance Recognize, report, and document patient condition changes Prepare and administer prescribed medications and treatments Identify and respond to urgent or emergent patient care situations Educate and train less experienced staff and serve as a preceptor Establish positive relationships with patients and families Participate in and contribute to patient care planning and delivery Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (Tour of Duty and location may change due to patient care needs) Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
