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Licensed Practical Nurse- Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration

Sevierville, Tennessee

Health system employer

LPN

Posted Aug 18

Unit
Primary Care

What the listing says

Role

Term
Permanent
Practice
Union position
Setting
Clinic
Accepts
LPN
Experience
1+ years

Ratio not posted. Ask in the interview.

Pay

Against the board
This role$25/hr
nursing in Tennessee$33/hr

The median for nursing in Tennessee is $33/hr, across 154 postings. It covers every nursing role in the state, so it is a bearing, not a like-for-like comparison.

Relocation
No help offered

About this role

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Learn more about this agency This job is open to

The public U. S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U. S. Internal to an agency Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement. Clarification from the agency

Read the full posting

1st Consideration will go to permanent VHA employees, this does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Duties

Clinical Nursing Practice

Demonstrates proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties while providing care to diverse patient populations. Maintains knowledge and ability to carry out patient care determined by the patient's condition utilizing judgement in selecting appropriate orders, procedures, and treatments; and recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information to include urgent and emergent situations. Observes, identifies, and responds to patient needs for medication, medical equipment, and patient/family education while considering emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.

Maintains knowledge and skill to prepare, administer and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures.

Administration

Demonstrate ability to serve as a responsible member of the clinic and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services. Assist with answering the phone, conveying timely messages to the appropriate staff, placing calls/pages as needed. Participate in evaluation of nursing care through attendance and input at team conferences and communication with the Nurse Manager. Further, participates in team conference development and implementation, by presenting a patient for team conference discussion when need identified.

Research

Have the option to participate in the accurate collection of data as instructed by the Nurse Manager or designee. Have the option to make recommendations for the application of current research findings to practice as well as applying those findings as assigned by the Nurse Manager or designee.

Education

Provides appropriate information to patients and their families regarding the plan of care. Assists the patient and family in understanding and acceptance of the disease process and encourages participation in the plan for the care and rehabilitation of the patient. Identifies patient's educational needs to include equipment, medication, treatment procedures, and diagnosis.

Assists with teaching patient/family as appropriate. Reusable Medical Equipment (RME):. Be familiar with which items are cleaned locally (in clinic) and which items are sent to sterile processing service (SPS) for reprocessing and/or sterilization.

If items are to be transported for reprocessing, he/she must be aware of the initial decontamination steps that must be taken prior to transport of item and the appropriate method of transport. Be responsible for following the local Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) drafted in accordance with the manufacturer's written recommendations. SPS and Infection Prevention and Control should be consulted when clarification of written instructions are needed.

No one should be reprocessing any reusable medical equipment based on vendor's verbal instructions alone: this is not an adequate practice. VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work

Schedule

Monday-Friday; 7:45 am - 4:30 pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vha.elrsprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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 #: 61006-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements

Conditions of employment

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. 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

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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U. S. C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

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 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN. Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.

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: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-03 The LPN GS-03 will perform at the advanced beginner level.

He/she is responsible for direct patient care activities under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Written assignment. with supplemental verbal instructions that are given by the RN. Work performance is observed and regularly evaluated by the Registered Nurse-for purposes of competency validation.

The practical nurse seeks guidance from the RN when difficulty is encountered with the assignment GS-04 The LPN GS-04 will perform at the advanced beginner level. He/she is responsible for direct patient care activities under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Written assignment. with supplemental verbal instructions that are given by the RN.

Work performance is observed and regularly evaluated by the Registered Nurse-for purposes of competency validation. The practical nurse seeks guidance from the RN when difficulty is encountered with the assignment. Demonstrate ability to serve as a responsible member of the clinic and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services.

Assists with answering the phone, conveying timely messages to the appropriate staff, placing calls/pages as needed. Have the option to participate in the accurate collection of data as instructed by the Nurse Manager or designee. GS-05 The LPN GS-05 will demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.

Works with the RN and/or MD to appropriately orient train less experienced LPN's, NAs, and Health Technicians (HT) according to acceptable standards of practice in the delivery optimal patient care. Demonstrate ability to serve as a responsible member of the clinic and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services. Assist with answering the phone, conveying timely messages to the appropriate staff, placing calls/pages as needed.

Have the option to participate in the accurate collection of data as instructed by…

Sourced from Veterans Health Administration’s careers page.

Requirements

  • Conditions of employment
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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. In accordance with 38 U. S. C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
  • 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 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN.
  • Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.
  • 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: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-03
  • The LPN GS-03 will perform at the advanced beginner level. He/she is responsible for direct patient care activities under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Written assignment. with supplemental verbal instructions that are given by the RN. Work performance is observed and regularly evaluated by the Registered Nurse-for purposes of competency validation. The practical nurse seeks guidance from the RN when difficulty is encountered with the assignment
  • GS-04
  • The LPN GS-04 will perform at the advanced beginner level. He/she is responsible for direct patient care activities under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Written assignment. with supplemental verbal instructions that are given by the RN. Work performance is observed and regularly evaluated by the Registered Nurse-for purposes of competency validation. The practical nurse seeks guidance from the RN when difficulty is encountered with the assignment.
  • Demonstrate ability to serve as a responsible member of the clinic and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services.
  • Have the option to participate in the accurate collection of data as instructed by the Nurse Manager or designee.
  • GS-05
  • The LPN GS-05 will demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
  • Have the option to participate in the accurate collection of data as instructed by…

Benefits

  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Loan repayment program
  • Dental insurance
  • Adoption assistance
  • Parental leave
  • Vision insurance
  • Childcare

Place

City
Sevierville, Tennessee
State price level
8% below the national average

Tennessee index 91.9, where 100 is the national average.

Map showing the location of Sevierville, TN
Approximate location in Sevierville, TN. · © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap· Open the live map

Cost figures from U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024 Regional Price Parities.

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About the employer

Veterans Health Administration
Health system employer

Nationally the VA describes itself as the largest U.S. nurse employer, with more than 120,000 RNs, APNs, LPNs, and nursing assistants. The VA has said it is on pace to reduce staff by nearly 30,000 by the end of FY2025…

Veterans Health Administration photoVeterans Health Administration photoVeterans Health Administration photo

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