Department of Veterans Affairs

Licensed Practical Nurse

Atlanta, Georgia Full time

Licensed Practical Nurse

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia

Salary Range: $50231 - $81441 Per Year

Job Summary: The Geriatric and Extended Care (GEC) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a direct care provider who, under close supervision of an RN, delivers nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems. Assists in dealing with patients with chronic disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac and pulmonary disease), as well as acute episodes of illness. Demonstrates ability to exercise judgment and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques.

Major Duties:

  • Assignments associated with this position include, but are not limited to: (GS4) 1. Assists the Registered Nurse in the coordination of patient care activities with other department by preparing patients for scheduled appointments/tests/procedures. 2.Provides nursing care to patients including bathing, feeding, shaving, administering enemas, suppositories, warm and cold compresses and simple medicated dressings. 3.Observes, reports, and records physical and behavioral changes in patient status. 4.Takes and records patients' blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, and collects specimens. 5.Provides and assists with lifting and positioning of patients, utilizing proper body mechanics and lifting devices as appropriate. 6.Assists the Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Registered Nurse with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. 7.Applies external urinary devices, safety devices, and other supportive devices as indicated or prescribed including restraints. 8.Reports and records current observations such as patient physical condition, variations in vital signs, emotional responses, and results of procedures. 9.Administers oral, topical, subcutaneous/intramuscular and intradermal medications, may calculate medication dosages, observe effectiveness of medications, and document in the patient's record. 10.Demonstrates knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved medical center policies and procedures. 11.Administers and records treatments such as ostomy irrigations, tracheotomy care, catheterizations, and internal tube feedings. 12.Initiates CPR in critical emergencies. 13.Performs oral and tracheal suction through mouth or established tube, such as tracheotomy. (GS5) 1.Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. 2.Demonstrates the ability to orient/train less experienced LPNs and/or Nursing Assistants/ Health Technicians in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. 3.Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes. 4.Demonstrates ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care. 5.Demonstrates knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribe oral, topical. subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved medical center policies and procedures. 6.Observes and documents patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD. 7.Provides nursing care for patients that require a respirator/ventilator. 8.Recognizes the need for and institutes emergency measures when indicated, and assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 9.Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (GS6) 1.Processes Community Care-GEC Nonskilled Homemaker Consults using the Health Share Referral Manager, CPRS, and other recognized electronic software to schedule, generate referrals and create authorizations for Veterans receiving Nonskilled care in the community. 2.The LPN must create authorizations accurately and timely following Office of Community Care procedures and guidelines. 3.Actively participates in vendor management. 5.Performs electronic or telephonic contacts to complete the documentation required for initiating referrals/authorizations processed. 6.Follows up with community vendors to ensure appointment completion and obtaining medical records as required. 7.Obtains medical documentation from community providers, scans to appropriate consults within CPRS, and alerts VA providers for continuity of care. Coordinates internal and external care between customers and providers 8.Assists in collecting performance improvement data for skilled and unskilled care, including patient satisfaction surveys. 9.Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations. 10.Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule:8:00AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday Work Schedule subject to change based on agency needs Telework:Eligible for AD-HOC telework Virtual:This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:08203A Relocation/Recruitment Incentive:Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized

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. 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. Exceptions include: Military training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction of licensure. Certain VHA employees converted under Public Law 98-160 or 99-576. Individuals licensed in jurisdictions that do not require graduation from an approved school (see waiver criteria). Licensure: Must possess a full, active, current, and unrestricted license as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. Physical Standards: Must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). 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: GS-4: Must meet one of the following: Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN; OR Graduation from an approved school and one (1) year of experience in nursing care work in a medical setting; OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. LPNs at this level perform all duties expected at GS-3 with greater independence and judgment. GS-5: Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Provide full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical/behavioral problems. Educate patients/families on disease processes, medications, and treatments. Serve as a responsible member of the nursing team. Prepare, administer, and document medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, IM, IV). Recognize and respond to emergencies; assist in resuscitation. Identify and report equipment/supply issues. Work under general supervision with broad knowledge of nursing procedures. GS-6: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Technically proficient in providing care to diverse patient populations. Use judgment in selecting procedures and treatments. Observe and respond to patient needs (medication, equipment, education). Administer medications and treatments; document and report changes. Recognize urgent/emergent situations and initiate interventions. Understand human behavior and patient motivations. Establish therapeutic relationships with patients/families. Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests/procedures. Serve as a preceptor for less experienced staff. Actively seek educational opportunities and share knowledge. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards as outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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 03/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12891924. 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.

Application Deadline: 2026-03-16