Licensed Vocational Nurse

Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) at the MEDVAMC and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) serve as a generalist to support the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), specialty and mental health teams. The LVN provides a wide range of clinical services to a Veteran that demonstrates complex clinical judgement under the direct supervision and minimal observation of a registered nurse or provider. The LVN is expected to utilize the 10 Caritas processes in thier clinical practice.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional **See IMPORTANT NOTES in the Additional Information section for TWO (2) clarification items to include all locations we are currently hiring.** Duties of the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) include, but are not limited to: Provides direct patient care with no more than one (1) variances, including but not limited to: Implements nursing interventions to assist provider Consistently and correctly prioritizes patient care activities Identifies significant changes in the patient's condition and reports to the provider and/or RN Care Coordinator or charge nurse Implements nursing interventions based on scientific principles Performance of complex therapeutic procedures requires regular observation and guidance from the RN Care Coordinator or charge nurse, the LVN performs, reports and records assigned nursing care including: Vital signs including pain as a 5th vital sign Dressing Change, simple and complex Oxygen administration Intake and output Pulmonary hygiene and drainage Administration of medications Administration of delegated procedures and treatments Collection of specimens Nutritional support via tube feeding, gastrotomy feeding Colostomy care Allergy screen EKG Clinical reminders with appropriated consults and alerts as indicated Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Urinary catheterization and bladder instillations Tracheal suctioning Phlebotomy Administration of premixed IV piggybacks Recognizes acute patient's distress and initiates correct emergency interventions. Performance of patient screening and preventive therapy as prescribed by Clinical Practice Guidelines and through the use of Clinical Reminders. Maintains equipment and therapeutic environment to prevent injury to self or others. Demonstrates compliance with all policies regarding infection control practices pertaining cleaning and processing of Reusable Medical Equipment. Performs effectively all processes associated with preparation of Reusable Medical Equipment per Standard Operating Procedures for MEDVAMC specific to each device according to manufacturer's recommendations and requirements. Demonstrates knowledgeable and understanding by adhering to Infection Control guidelines. Observes and follows all established practices and complies with the Medical Center and VA policies on Safety, Employee Health Services, Worker's Compensation related to on-the-job injuries, and Personal Protective clothing/equipment. Correctly Administers medications according to VAMC policy and Therapeutic Methods. Based on the patient's goals, provides patient and family health education. Personal growth should be achieved by practicing Caritas Process 1 loving-kindness toward self and others. Exhibits positive and courteous behavior at all times during customer and staff interactions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; extended hours, weekends, and rotating Holidays may be required (subject to location and may change based on needs of the facility). Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): May be available depending on location selected. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01314-F, 01315-F, 01316-F, 01317-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Location Salary Ranges: Beaumont- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Conroe- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Galveston- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Houston- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Humble- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Katy- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Lake Jackson- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Lufkin- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Richmond- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Sugar Land- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Texas City- $48,212 - $ 75,642 Tomball- $48,212 - $ 75,642

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

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current permanent Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center employees Current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) employees Current permanent VA Nationwide employees Current permanent federal employees of other agencies Current/past Health Professional Trainees (HPTs) All other applicants 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

Qualifications continued: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Preferred Experience: Two years current LVN experience. Prior clinical experience preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require heavy lifting, 50 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 50 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1-2 hours), pushing (1-2 hours), walking (2-4 hours), standing (2-6 hours), reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking / sitting, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near & far vision correctable to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; depth perception, hearing (aid permitted). May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/13050082. 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: License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Transcript Your resume MUST include the following information for each position: Job title Description of duties Beginning and ending dates (month/year) of employment Average hours worked per week. 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 (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. Selections from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans' preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 9/25/2025.

Additional information

**IMPORTANT NOTES: Position(s) are physically located at: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas; Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic in Beaumont, Texas; Conroe VA Clinic in Conroe, Texas; Galveston County VA Clinic in Galveston, Texas; Houston Webster VA Clinic in Houston, Texas; Katy VA Clinic in Katy, Texas; Kingwood VA Clinic in Humble, Texas; Lake Jackson Outpatient Clinic in Lake Jackson, Texas; Charles Wilson DVA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin, Texas; Richmond Outpatient Clinic in Richmond, TX; Sugar Land VA Clinic in Sugar Land, Texas; Texas CityVA Clinic in Texas City, Texas; Tomball VA Outpatient Clinic in Tomball, Texas. Select ALL locations you are willing to consider as this announcement will be used to fill vacancies at all listed locations as they become available. Once selected for a specific location as indicated in your application, changes in assigned location after selection will NOT be considered. 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.