Licensed Vocational Nurse- Psych (2NE)

About the role

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the Registered Nurse in the care of patients.

The incumbent functions as LVN, under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, and other health care professionals and is directed by the RN in the delivery of care of patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness.

What you will do

• The LVN's duties include but are not limited to; Provides nursing care, performs clinical procedures according to specialty, technical procedures and ancillary services for patients.
• The LVN performs a variety of personal care or nursing care activities.
• The LVN helps each patient attain optimal physical, physiological, emotional and social well-being.
• Also: Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to learn to provide care based on physical, psychological, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patient served in their assigned area.
• Provides patient monitoring, observation, and documentation (such as vital signs, I's & O's, meals, obtaining patient weight, etc.) Provides input to colleagues, Team Leader/Charge Nurse for making assignments for the incoming tour.
• Listens attentively to reports and SBAR notes pertinent items and asks for clarification when unsure of content.
• Formulate a work schedule based on prioritization of patient care needs.
• Responds to all safety alarms, rapid responses, and codes on the unit/area assigned.
• Will facilitate as a sitter for patients endorsing SI, HI, wheelchair use, or medical monitoring.
• Assist patients with ADLs and meals as required, maintaining as much independence as possible.
• Preserve patient safety, confidentiality, and respect for the patient/family/significant other's rights.
• Immediately reports observations and knowledge of abuse or neglect of patients and loss or damage of government property.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, transfers, and death procedures.
• Assist with transporting patients to procedures, between wards, and at discharge.
• Provides respectful care that maintains individuality, dignity, and self-esteem.
• Practice universal precautions and infection control techniques.
• Uses equipment safely and uses proper body mechanics.
• Duties require extensive standing and walking, bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, pulling, and similar activities using safe patient handling techniques.
• Performs Environmental safety rounds in the milieu to ensure unit/patient rooms are safe.
• (Halls are clear, with no broken equipment, beds in the low locked position, no tripping hazards, and no restricted contraband in patient rooms).
• Practice safe medication use, Five Rights, and safe medical waste disposal.
• Administers medications as needed, evaluates the effectiveness of PRNs, and reports any adverse side effects of medications to primary RN on time.
• Accurately documents nursing care, nursing interventions, and patient response for assigned patients in CPRS, ICCA, and bedside/unit paperwork (including, but not limited to q15, minute safety rounds, hourly contraband checks, and additional safety checks as needed following visitation/groups).
• Complete the belongings sheet, assist with all patient admissions/transfers/discharges to the unit, and notifies the RN/Charge Nurse of necessary findings/remaining requirements.
• Report to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, and NOD for any patient safety events, including initiating a Joint Patient Safety Report (JPSR) and Disruptive Behavior Reporting System (DBRS).
• Preferred Experience: -One year of vocational nursing experience preferred, with experience in acute inpatient psychiatric/mental health, behavioral health, or a comparable high-acuity clinical setting highly desirable. -Experience providing care to patients with acute psychiatric conditions, behavioral dysregulation, suicidal or self-harm risk, aggression, or other complex behavioral health needs. -Demonstrated experience with therapeutic communication, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment. -Experience administering medications, monitoring medication effectiveness and adverse reactions, obtaining vital signs, and recognizing and promptly reporting changes in a patient's physical or behavioral condition. -Experience working effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and communicating relevant patient information to registered nurses and other members of the treatment team. -Familiarity with suicide prevention, patient observation levels, contraband/hazardous-item precautions, and behavioral health safety practices preferred.
• Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0630-1900 with alternating weekends and holidays.
• May change depending on the needs of the facility.
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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 (***).
• 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 examination.
• 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.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

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.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) 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) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

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.