Qualifications

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
• Exceptions include: Military training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction of licensure
• Certain VHA employees converted under Public Law 98-160 or 99-576
• Individuals licensed in jurisdictions that do not require graduation from an approved school (see waiver criteria)
• Licensure: Must possess a full, active, current, and unrestricted license as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia
• Physical Standards: Must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency: 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 Determinations: GS-4: Must meet one of the following: Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN
• OR Graduation from an approved school and one (1) year of experience in nursing care work in a medical setting
• OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• LPNs at this level perform all duties expected at GS-3 with greater independence and judgment
• GS-5: Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Provide full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical/behavioral problems
• Educate patients/families on disease processes, medications, and treatments
• Serve as a responsible member of the nursing team
• Prepare, administer, and document medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, IM, IV)
• Recognize and respond to emergencies
• assist in resuscitation
• Identify and report equipment/supply issues
• Work under general supervision with broad knowledge of nursing procedures
• GS-6: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Technically proficient in providing care to diverse patient populations
• Use judgment in selecting procedures and treatments
• Observe and respond to patient needs (medication, equipment, education)
• Administer medications and treatments
• document and report changes
• Recognize urgent/emergent situations and initiate interventions
• Understand human behavior and patient motivations
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients/families
• Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests/procedures
• Serve as a preceptor for less experienced staff
• Actively seek educational opportunities and share knowledge
• 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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019