Licensed Practical Nurse

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATIONS. PLEASE SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET AND CHOOSE YOUR DESIRED LOCATION(S) TO BE CONSIDERED.

This is announcement will be used to fill multiple LPN vacancies that become available in various service lines over the next 90-180 days. There may not be current vacancies at all locations when you apply. However, eligible applicants will be referred as needed when vacancies become available in any service line.

Applicant's note: This announcement is being used to fill various LPN vacancies throughout the Miami VA Healthcare System. Selections will be made for various service lines/departments as vacancies become available. When applying for this position, you may select more than one duty location. You may be selected for any available LPN position with any service line/section/supervisor at the Miami VA as vacancies become available.

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) GS-07 is to deliver comprehensive and proactive nursing care that advances quality health outcomes, fosters exceptional patient and family-centered service, and strengthens an environment dedicated to the care of Veterans. LPN/LVNs GS-07 are, to a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. LPN/LVNs at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision.

Other duties include but are not limited to:

• Carrying out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex care settings
• Incorporating current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the Veteran's overall health plan, and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions
• Utilizing broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans
• Assisting RN and/or provider to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery
• Making astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in Veteran's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and Veteran's response to care that could require immediate modification of the Veteran's care plan
• Seeking assistance and guidance, appropriately, by informing RN or provider of changes in Veteran's condition requiring higher-level intervention
• Assisting the RN or provider in addressing the Veteran's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and Veteran's response to medications/treatments received
• Possessing comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care
• Assisting individuals or groups of Veterans, families, and/or caregivers to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive Veteran outcomes
• Exercising skills in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions
• Supporting the RN, or provider in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in Veteran's care

SALARY NOTE: The salary range in this announcement covers various geographical areas from Monroe County, Miami-Dade, and Broward County. The actual starting salary will be offered to you upon selection. The 2026 salary range for a LPN, GS-7 in Monroe County is $75,586 - $98,264, Miami-Dade is $75,862 - $98,623, and Broward County is $75,591 - $98,270.

Work Schedule: Various shifts are available that may include working weekends, nights and/or some holidays. Available shifts will be discussed during your interview/selection process.
(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).

Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications.

• United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• 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. (Transcripts/proof of education is required)
  • Exceptions:
    • Health care education or training in the military service
    • 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
    • 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.

The GS-07 grade level is for select, complex LPN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment.

• Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 grade level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN. Examples of the GS-6 duties include, but are not limited to: technically proficient 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; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant] patient information; ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education; 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 from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO, etc.

NOTE: Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of an RN and/or MD/DO, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision), as well as a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of patients.

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, kneeling, 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 a mature, flexible, sensible individual, capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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/.

To assist you obtain proof of education/transcripts, many schools are listed on the National Student Clearinghouse website (and may assist you if you are unable to locate this quickly).

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• 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/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 one or two-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.