This job announcement has closed

This announcement has been amended to reflect the most recent salary range and has been extended. Applicants may update their application through the closing date.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT in support of COVID-19 operations. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 28, 2020 and applicants will be referred on an 'as needed' basis. NOTE: Announcement will remain open until no longer needed but no later than April 30, 2021.

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Hiring complete

Open & closing dates

12/21/2020 to 04/30/2021
Salary

$39,311 - $85,920 per year
Starting salary rate is based on locality (may include a special salary rate depending on location).
Pay scale & grade

GS 00 - 6
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Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Multiple Appointment Types - Permanent and Temporary Appointments may be available
Work schedule

Multiple Schedules - Full-Time, Part-Time and/or Intermittent may be available
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

None
Job family (Series)
- 0620 Practical Nurse
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Other
Drug test

Yes
Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
- Credentialing
- Suitability/Fitness
Announcement number

CBFF-10993053-21SJW-COVID19
Control number

587684200

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Clarification from the agency

U. S. Citizens (VA Health Professional Trainees [HPT] are also eligible for consideration. For more information - see Education Section of Announcement)

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While this announcement is posted at various grade levels, we are only considering applicants at the full performance GS-06 grade level.

The Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse may be permanently or temporarily appointed on an intermittent, part-time or full-time schedule in support of VA facilities across the Nation during the COVID-19 pandemic and will function under the direction of a primary care nurse in support of the physician or mid-level providers. The LPN/LVN will perform, report and record assigned nursing care.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

Assisting with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patients, ensuring comfort and privacy, and monitoring the patient during the procedure;
Providing direct nursing care to patients with an emphasis on patient teaching, care coordination and interventions such EKGs and phlebotomy;
Documenting care activities;
Performing procedures, treatments and delegated tasks;
Administering medication and oxygen therapy;
Issuing clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated; and
Cleaning and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment.

Work Schedule: A variety of work schedules are available; Work schedule will be determined upon selection. NOTE: May be expected to work rotating weekends and holidays.
Pay Schedule: The salary range listed in this announcement is a Base-Line Salary for a full-time work schedule. Starting salary will be set based on locality (which may include a special pay rate depending upon location), as well as FT, PT or Intermittent employment.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Certain locations are deemed as 'Hard to Fill' and 'may' offer Recruitment Incentives, but such an Incentive is not guaranteed.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses: Not Available
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

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Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), previously known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), previously known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the ACEN Website. 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.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements listed above, the following criteria must be met for each grade.
GS-6: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. Qualifying experience includes:

Technically proficient in initiating, performing & completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations;
Knowledge & ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order & sequence of procedures & treatments; & to accurately recognize, report & record relevant patient information;
Ability to observe, identify & respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care & patient/family education.*Prepares & administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular &/or intravenous) & performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical &/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly & accurately documenting noted changes, & reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO;
Knowledge & ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, & initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed;
Knowledge & understanding of human behavior, patient motivations & reactions to situations, & ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, & other staff;
Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients & their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication & socialization skills;
Knowledge & skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests &/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing & handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, & monitoring the patient's condition before, during, & following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, & training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures;
Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge & skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve & advance nursing practice.

References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 - Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6.

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, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. 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, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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. NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC)") Contact: VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov if interested in being considered as a Health Professional Trainee.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- OF-306
- VA Form 10-2850c. Failure to submit may result in non-consideration. (NOTE: See 'Required Document' Section of Job Announcement to download form)
- Copy of professional licensure is requested. Failure to submit a copy of license may result in non-consideration
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: In accordance with the Office of Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) Bulletin dated October 8, 2020, the annual determination of staffing shortages in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Hospital Administration, includes Practical Nurse, series 0620, as a critical staffing shortage. 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the fiscal year to hybrid title 38 occupations reported among the occupations with the largest staffing shortages.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10993053.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
Agency contact information

VHA National Recruitment Center

Phone

(844)456-5208

Email

VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov

Address

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
National Recruitment Center, DC 00000
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. Referral certificate(s) 'may' be issued and if so, applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the U SAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

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To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
OF-306
VA Form 10-2850c. Failure to submit may result in non-consideration. (NOTE: See 'Required Document' Section of Job Announcement to download form)
Copy of professional licensure is requested. Failure to submit a copy of license may result in non-consideration
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Veterans' Preference: In accordance with the Office of Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) Bulletin dated October 8, 2020, the annual determination of staffing shortages in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Hospital Administration, includes Practical Nurse, series 0620, as a critical staffing shortage. 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the fiscal year to hybrid title 38 occupations reported among the occupations with the largest staffing shortages.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10993053.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.

Agency contact information

VHA National Recruitment Center

Phone: (844)456-5208
Email: VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov
Address: Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
National Recruitment Center, DC 00000
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. Referral certificate(s) 'may' be issued and if so, applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the U SAJobs Help Center.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/587684200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Licensed Practical Nurse or Vocational Nurse

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Locations

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Trust determination process

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Videos

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent