Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

About the role

The Eastern Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Nursing – Ambulatory Care service line is hiring two (2) Licensed Practical Nurses located in Muskogee, OK.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)
• 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. Health care education or training in the military service accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction where the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted. VHA employees converted under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) (Public Law 98‑160, November 21, 1983) or 38 U.S.C. 7405 (Public Law 99‑576, October 28, 1986) are covered by a waiver; the waiver does not apply to persons appointed under those authorities after those 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, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
• Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria).
• English Language Proficiency: LPNs/LVNs 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).

Grade Determination

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is in the range of GS‑3 to GS‑6.

GS‑3 LPN/LVN

• None beyond the basic requirements.
• LPNs at this grade perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); completed work may require routine or detailed higher‑level review depending on complexity.

GS‑4 LPN/LVN

• Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet any of the following:
  • (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or
  • (b) Graduation from an approved school (waivable per paragraph 4, section C) and one year of experience involving nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical/nursing/patient‑care facility providing practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques; or
  • (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• GS‑4 LPNs perform all duties expected at GS‑3 but exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques.

GS‑5 LPN/LVN

• (a) Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent.
• (b) 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 orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants/Health Technicians; provides effective education to patients/family members regarding common disease processes, medication, and prescribed treatment regimes.
• (c) Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact appropriately with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel, incorporating established customer‑service standards.
• (d) Knowledge and skill to prepare, administer, and document actions for commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications per approved local facility policies; documentation includes patient response and reporting changes to RN or MD/DO.
• (e) Ability to recognize the need for and institute emergency measures, promptly seek assistance from RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac/pulmonary arrest.
• (f) Recognizes and responds appropriately to equipment breakage/malfunction, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel.
• (g) Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO; individuals have broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures, though more complex practices may be subject to closer review.

GS‑6 LPN/LVN

• (a) Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all GS‑5 performance requirements.
• (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties for variable patient populations; uses judgment in selecting appropriate order and sequence of procedures/treatments; accurately recognizes, reports, and records relevant patient information. Completed work requires only general review by an RN or MD/DO.
• (c) Ability to observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for care (medication, equipment‑assisted care, patient/family education), considering emotional, socioeconomic, and age‑related factors when organizing and delivering care.
• (d) Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous) and performs treatments per established policies; observes for changes, documents accurately, reports deviations to RN or MD/DO.
• (e) Recognizes urgent/emergent patient‑care situations, seeks assistance, initiates appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• (f) Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions; uses this knowledge effectively with patients, families, and staff.