Practical Nurse (Temporary)

Summary The VA New Jersey Health Care System is seeking experienced Licensed Practical Nurses(LPN) to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a temporary position and is not to exceed 120 days but may be extended based on agency needs.

This is an open and continuous announcement due to frequently occurring vacancies.

Qualified applicants will be reviewed and referred as long as there are vacancies.

Responsibilities The Licensed Practical Nurse performs age specific nursing care for adult and geriatric inpatients or outpatients with a variety of physical, mental, behavioral or psychological needs, and is limited to situations demanding an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills, according to assignment and training.

Duties Include however Are Not Limited to The Following: Accountable for adhering to established policies, procedures, standards of care and standards of practice, and for maintaining competencies consistent with role and responsibilities.

Works under the supervision of the registered nurse who provides guidance and direction.

Daily assignments are prepared by the registered nurse and reviewed with the licensed practical nurse.

Documents in the medical record and reports observations and findings to the registered nurse and if appropriate, to the physician.

Utilizes therapeutic communication with Veterans, families and other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions and acts as a patient advocate.

Administers medications as ordered.

All other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: To be discussed at time of Interview Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Not to Exceed Appointments: This job opportunity announcement is for appointments not to exceed September 30, 2021 per VA Guidance for COVID-19 Response.

Requirements Conditions of Employment 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.

English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English (as required by 38 USC 7402(d) and 7407(d).

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 by the applicant.

Exceptions include:(1) 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.(2) 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.

Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of successful nursing in a hospital setting.

Grade Determinations: GS-4: You may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if you meet any of the criteria below:(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or(b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; or(c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G6 Nurse Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-4.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-4.

Physical Requirements: The LPN position requires that the employee be able to lift and carry moderate weight (up to 44 lbs.), stand for long periods of time, walk, bend, pull/push, reach above shoulders and use both hands and fingers.

Successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam and random drug screen is 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.

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: d.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: d.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.