Licensed Practical Nurse
Veterans Health Administration
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Health system employer
LPN/LVN
Posted Sep 4 · Not open to new grads
- Shift
- Nights
- Unit
- RRTP
What the listing says
Role
- Schedule
- Nights
- Weekends
- Every weekend
- Term
- Permanent
- On the floor
- Precepting expected
- Practice
- Union position
- Setting
- Hospital
More role details
- Accepts
- LPN/LVN
- Experience
- 1+ years
- Unit
- RRTP
- Patients
- The LPN GS-7 provides specialized nursing care to Veterans in RRTP, exercising a level of clinical judgment and independence beyond the GS-6 scope.
Ratio not posted. Ask in the interview.
Pay
- Against the board
- Relocation
- No help offered
- Loan repayment
- Offered
The median for nursing in Alabama is $32/hr, across 85 postings. It covers every nursing role in the state, so it is a bearing, not a like-for-like comparison.
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. Clarification from the agency
Read the full posting
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. Open to ALL US CITIZENS. Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this announcement. Duties
VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
Major duties may include, but are not limited to
The LPN GS-7 is responsible and accountable for independent nursing practice and demonstrates advanced competence in specialized patient care activities. Uses Veteran care data to guide clinical decisions and contribute meaningfully to individualized health plans. Applies program regulations, supports nursing program objectives, and models sound nursing principles throughout the Medical Center.
Collaborates with RNs and healthcare providers but is fully capable of functioning without readily available supervision. The GS-7 LPN also provides guidance to lower-graded LPNs, offers clinical support to Nursing Assistants, and helps ensure consistent, safe care delivery across the team. The LPN GS-7 provides specialized nursing care to Veterans in RRTP, exercising a level of clinical judgment and independence beyond the GS-6 scope.
In the absence of an RN, the GS-7 LPN assumes responsibility for critical patient care activities, including safe medication reviews, complex medication administration, and comprehensive monitoring. Identifies and responds promptly to changes in physical or behavioral status, initiates appropriate interventions, and communicates findings directly to healthcare providers. The GS-7 LPN maintains accurate documentation, supports a safe therapeutic milieu, assists with crisis intervention, reinforces treatment goals, and adheres to VA policies, National Patient Safety Goals, and infection prevention practices.
Through strong collaboration and communication with Veterans, families, and the interdisciplinary team-as well as mentorship of support staff-the GS-7 LPN ensures high-quality, recovery-oriented care reflective of the elevated scope and accountability of this grade.
Work
Schedule
0000-0800 OR 15:30-2400 with rotating shifts, including weekend and holiday work required 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 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 #: 62869F 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 dentification 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
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: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written 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: (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) 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. [(3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.
See licensure section below.
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.
Grade Determinations
GS-7: The GS-07 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN and the knowledge, skills and abilities at the grade 07 level.
AND;
GS-07 KSA's
Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans.
Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention.
At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received.
(This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels. Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery.
At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions.
This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision. Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in…
Sourced from Veterans Health Administration’s careers page.
“Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN and the knowled” · from this posting
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 dentification 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.
- 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: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English.
- 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) 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. [(3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See licensure section below.
- 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.
Benefits
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays
- Loan repayment program
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Adoption assistance
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Place
- City
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Median rent
- $1,055/mo
- Local household income
- $51,464/yr
- Metro price level
- 12% below the national average
rent and tenant-paid utilities
all local households, not nurse pay
Tuscaloosa area index 87.7, where 100 is the national average.
Tuscaloosa blends Southern college-town energy with riverside charm along the Black Warrior River. Home to the University of Alabama, it offers a vibrant game-day culture, a revitalized downtown, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Nurses enjoy a close-knit community feel with regional amenities within easy reach.
Cost figures from U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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About the 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…
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The posting doesn’t answer these. Good ones to ask a recruiter or in the interview.
- Can you walk me through differentials?
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- What orientation, preceptor time, and ongoing unit support are included?
- How are patient load and floating handled day to day?