Licensed Practical Nurse

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) performs basic age-specific nursing care for adult and geriatric inpatients or outpatients with physical, mental, behavioral, or psychosocial needs, according to assignment and training. The LPN is accountable for adhering to established policies, procedures, standards of care and standards of practice, and for maintaining competencies consistent with role and responsibilities.

Duties

Duties but not limited to: The Licensed Practical Nurse possesses knowledge and skills to perform practical nurse assessment, procedures, practices, and techniques at a level determined by the Qualification Standards and demonstrated competency. The LPN works independently, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, requiring minimal guidance and direction. Completed work needs only a general review by a Registered Nurse for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and accepted nursing standards. He/she documents in the medical record and reports observations and findings to the Registered Nurse and if appropriate, to the physician. This position is located within Nursing Services throughout all campuses of the New York Harbor VAMC. The Licensed Practical Nurse possesses knowledge and skills to perform as a practical nurse assessment, procedures, practices, and techniques at a level determined by the Qualification Standards and demonstrated competency. The Licensed Practical Nurse possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to: Communicate and interact appropriately and courteously with internal and external customers from variable patient populations. Maintain confidentially of written, electronic, and verbal patient/employee information. Work and function within a safe manner including infection control and use of equipment. Assure that patient safety is paramount in all aspects of patient care. Utilize nursing research and literature in practice. Integrate and apply aspects of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations National Patient Safety Goals as applicable to their area of practice. Patient Care Activities, as appropriate to assignment, (Includes, but not limited to): Provides for the patient's privacy. Assists with data collection for outpatients and new admissions. Completes specific sections of the Nursing Admission Record. Observes, reports and documents signs and symptoms of patient's general condition. Participates in patient care conferences, exchanging information about patient's needs and condition. Provides input into the Nursing Care Plan and/or the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care. Provides direct nursing care to adult and geriatric patients according to nursing standards and Medical Center policy and procedure. The includes, but is not limited to: Bathing, showering, oral care, shaving, toe/fingernail care, fingernail clipping, feeding, turning, positioning, and ambulating, while considering age specific needs, e.g. the geriatric patients' need for lubrication. Collecting and labeling specimens, e.g. sputum, emesis, urine, stool. Performing enterostomal care, perineal care, administering enemas and colostomy irrigations, while considering age specific needs, e.g. the geriatric patients' need for a bedpan. Providing bowel/bladder training, applying external urinary devices, performing bladder catheterization. Providing oral, nasopharyngeal and tracheal suctioning, tracheostomy care, administering oxygen. Providing physical/emotional care to respirator dependent patients. Administering enteral feedings. Providing wound care and reporting any changes and/or progress to the RN. Performing peritoneal dialysis. Applying abdominal binders, anti-embolic stockings, ace bandages and alternating pressure boots. Providing for lifting, moving, transferring, and/or transporting patients. Using patient lifting devices, pressure relief mattresses, hyper/hypothermia blankets, electronic scales, feeding pumps. Applying protective/supporting devices, restraints. Providing post-mortem care. Implements established care plan. Reporting and documents progress or changes in patient's behavior and/or physical condition to the RN and in the medical record. Performs check of emergency equipment. Recognizes and initiates emergency measures consistency with training. Calls Crises Intervention team or Code 2000, according to campus, and assists with the application of leather restraints and/or seclusion, while providing for physical and safety needs. Calls Cardiac Arrest Team or Code 4000, depending on campus, performs CPR. Follows appropriate procedure for Fire Drills. Follows appropriate policies and/or procedures for other emergencies, e.g. disaster, bomb threat. Provides care for pre-operative and post-operative patients, including those having special procedures and treatments. Assures the presence of a signed informed consent. Performs duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (7:30am - 4:00pm) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 14166F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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. 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 1 or 2-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.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, 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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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.

Education

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/.

How to apply

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 by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/26/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13079872. 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.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) PCS Orders Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.