Licensed Vocational Nurse - Community Living Center (CLC) - EDRP Authorized

About the role

This position reports to the Community Living Center (CLC) Nurse Manager and is under Extended Care Nursing Service at the West Texas VA Health Care System. The primary purpose of the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran.

Qualifications

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. Exceptions include certain military health‑care education, VHA conversions under specific statutes, and individuals licensed 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, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with the work are typical for the occupation and generally do not require a pre‑placement examination.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard (applicable to current VHA employees).

Grade Determinations:

• GS‑3: Meets basic requirements; performs all duties within the scope of the license (e.g., medication administration). Completed work may require routine or detailed higher‑level review depending on complexity.
• GS‑4: Requires any of the following:
  • Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN;
  • Graduation from an approved school plus one year of nursing‑care experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or similar supervised facility;
  • Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
  GS‑4 staff exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and operate in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• GS‑5: Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level (or equivalent) and demonstrated ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care, educate patients/families, serve as a responsible team member, prepare and administer medications, recognize emergencies, and respond to equipment or supply issues.
• GS‑6: Completion of at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level (or equivalent). Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties, using judgment to select procedures, documenting patient information, recognizing urgent situations, and considering holistic patient factors (emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio‑economic, age‑related).

Duties

• Perform and document focused assessments; report abnormal findings to the RN Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager.
• If acting as Charge Nurse, assign, manage, and direct other LVNs/LPNs and Nursing Aides in the delivery of patient/resident care.
• Administer oxygen therapy and medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous) and perform delegated procedures and treatments.
• Complete clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts.
• Ensure medications and supplies are not expired and remove expired items from inventory.
• Assist with minor procedures, including obtaining equipment, positioning patients, and ensuring comfort and privacy.
• Perform electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG) and document findings.
• Collect and document data from patient visits in nursing notes.
• Provide health education to patients and families, reinforcing self‑management, prevention, and wellness.
• Assist in medication reconciliation and notify providers of changes.
• Measure and record vital signs in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Report significant deviations to the RN immediately.
• Perform TB skin tests and document results.
• Close daily notes and complete daily checks of the automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Conduct daily blood‑glucose meter checks as applicable.
• Adhere to standards of practice and safe technique in medication preparation and administration.
• Utilize the Bar‑Code Medication Administration (BCMA) system for safe medication delivery.
• Identify urgent or emergent patient‑care situations, seek assistance, and intervene as directed.