Licensed Vocational Nurse

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) at the MEDVAMC and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) serve as a generalist to support the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), specialty and mental health teams. The LVN provides a wide range of clinical services to a Veteran that demonstrates complex clinical judgement under the direct supervision and minimal observation of a registered nurse or provider. The LVN is expected to utilize the 10 Caritas processes in thier clinical practice.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

**See IMPORTANT NOTES in the Additional Information section for TWO (2) clarification items to include all locations we are currently hiring.**

Duties of the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) include, but are not limited to:

• Provides direct patient care with no more than one (1) variances, including but not limited to:
  • Implements nursing interventions to assist provider
  • Consistently and correctly prioritizes patient care activities
  • Identifies significant changes in the patient's condition and reports to the provider and/or RN Care Coordinator or charge nurse
• Implements nursing interventions based on scientific principles
• Performance of complex therapeutic procedures requires regular observation and guidance from the RN Care Coordinator or charge nurse, the LVN performs, reports and records assigned nursing care including:
  • Vital signs including pain as a 5th vital sign
  • Dressing Change, simple and complex
  • Oxygen administration
  • Intake and output
  • Pulmonary hygiene and drainage
  • Administration of medications
  • Administration of delegated procedures and treatments
  • Collection of specimens
  • Nutritional support via tube feeding, gastrotomy feeding
  • Colostomy care
  • Allergy screen
  • EKG
  • Clinical reminders with appropriated consults and alerts as indicated
  • Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy.
  • Urinary catheterization and bladder instillations
  • Tracheal suctioning
  • Phlebotomy
  • Administration of premixed IV piggybacks
• Recognizes acute patient's distress and initiates correct emergency interventions.
• Performance of patient screening and preventive therapy as prescribed by Clinical Practice Guidelines and through the use of Clinical Reminders.
• Maintains equipment and therapeutic environment to prevent injury to self or others.
• Demonstrates compliance with all policies regarding infection control practices pertaining cleaning and processing of Reusable Medical Equipment.
• Performs effectively all processes associated with preparation of Reusable Medical Equipment per Standard Operating Procedures for MEDVAMC specific to each device according to manufacturer's recommendations and requirements.
• Demonstrates knowledgeable and understanding by adhering to Infection Control guidelines.
• Observes and follows all established practices and complies with the Medical Center and VA policies on Safety, Employee Health Services, Worker's Compensation related to on-the-job injuries, and Personal Protective clothing/equipment.
• Correctly Administers medications according to VAMC policy and Therapeutic Methods.
• Based on the patient's goals, provides patient and family health education.
• Personal growth should be achieved by practicing Caritas Process 1 loving-kindness toward self and others.
• Exhibits positive and courteous behavior at all times during customer and staff interactions.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; extended hours, weekends, and rotating Holidays may be required (subject to location and may change based on needs of the facility).
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): May be available depending on location selected.
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized.
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
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 #: 01314-F, 01315-F, 01316-F, 01317-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Location Salary Ranges:
Beaumont- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Conroe- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Galveston- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Houston- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Humble- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Katy- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Lake Jackson- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Lufkin- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Richmond- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Sugar Land- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Texas City- $48,212 - $ 75,642
Tomball- $48,212 - $ 75,642

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may 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. 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.
• 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).

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 REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting the above Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Grade Determination criteria below:

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, 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-03: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-04: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-04 if they meet any of the criteria below:

1. Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or
2. Graduation from an approved school 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
3. Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-05: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-04 level or equivalent, and demonstrate all the Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs) below:

1. 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.
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, 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.
4. 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.
5. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

GS-06: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-05 LPN/LVN, and demonstrate all the Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs) below:

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 physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.
3. 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.
4. 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 4 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, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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 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.
9. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Qualifications continued in Education

Qualifications continued: 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.

Preferred Experience:

• Two years current LVN experience.
• Prior clinical experience preferred.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require heavy lifting, 50 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 50 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1-2 hours), pushing (1-2 hours), walking (2-4 hours), standing (2-6 hours), reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking / sitting, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near & far vision correctable to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; depth perception, hearing (aid permitted). May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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/.

• 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 evaluation.
• 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.