SUMMARY

The LPN at the Wilkes Barre VAMC participates in the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient’s treatment plan; interacts with patients in groups in accordance with the patient’s treatment plan; observes, identifies and responds to the patients’ needs for nursing, medication, and equipment assisted care and recognizes deviations from normal; demonstrates the knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE IN PSYCHIATRIC/MENTAL HEALTH NURSING.

Work Schedule: 8am-430pm Monday - Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may 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 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.
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions 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: 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-3

• None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4

• Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR,
• Graduation from an approved school (unless meeting one of the education exceptions above) 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,
• 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.

GS-5

• Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and [other] supportive personnel involved in the delivery of] patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.
• 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 local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient’s response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient’s condition to RN or MD/DO.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
• Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review.

GS-6

• Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
• Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients’ conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with [established policies/procedures.
• Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient’s needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient’s condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff.
• Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers.
• Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient’s condition before, during, and following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005, PART II, APPENDIX G13.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

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: http://ope.ed.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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

DUTIES

The Mental Health Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for:

• Participates in group meetings to help patients share feelings, interact and function in accordance with the patient’s treatment plan.
• Begins to demonstrate constructive relationships with individual patients to elicit feelings and attitudes and to promote positive relationships, communications and socialization skills.
• Utilizes team building skills to work efficiently and effectively with other disciplines.
• Participates with the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient’s treatment plan.
• Uses discretion in all confidential matters.
• Responds appropriately as a member of the Cardiac, Disaster, Violence, Fire Fighting, and/or Code Yellow Team.
• Handles assignments to other areas with professional behavior.
• Willingness to accept organizational changes and accepts constructive ideas for the betterment of the organization.
• Uses sound judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines.
• Utilizes nursing process in practice.
• Has the knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out practical nursing care assignments, including assignments for acute care, long-term or ambulatory care, or psychiatric patients.
• Demonstrates ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient’s needs for nursing, medication and equipment-assisted care and to recognize deviations from normal.
• Considers physical, emotional and social factors in modifying patient care plans.
• Participates in unit based performance improvement initiatives.
• Participates on Nursing, CORE, and/or Medical Center committees.
• Demonstrates awareness of mission, vision, and value objectives of the CORE and Medical Center.
• Implements clinical guidelines as appropriate.
• Serves as a member of the nursing unit team with selected patients and provides care to them on a regular and recurring basis.
• Performs nursing skills in a safe manner that prevents personal injury to patients, self, or others.
• Maintains unit orderliness and cleanliness.
• Accurately reports and records significant patient information via hard or soft copies.
• Performs those standardized nursing functions which require the exercise of observational skills, initiative, judgment and independent determination for the care of all types of patients with varying degrees of illness such as acute, subacute and chronically ill.
• Makes a significant contribution to promote the patient’s return to health by guiding and encouraging the patient in self-care activities while including the family in the patient’s treatment program.
• Gives specific, meaningful instructions and explains to patients regarding the purpose of special diagnostic tests. Collects or assists with the collection of all types of specimens including gastric analysis.
• Administers oral and parenetical medications excluding investigational drugs.
• Utilizes Omnicell medication system per policy.
• Chart review electronic orders from a Physician’s order sheet with RN verification.
• Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard free environment.
• Monitors patients on 1:1 suicide or safety watch.
• Has knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in partnership of medical facility policies; this knowledge helps the LPN in this role to play an active part within the mental health population.
• Is responsible for triaging scheduled Veterans for routine administration of antipsychotic injections, walk in, and crisis patients.
• Follows facility policy on the use of psychotropic medication.
• Assists with monitoring lab values of certain psychotropic medications, ensuring the veteran gets the required monitors done in a timely manner.
• Has knowledge of Voluntary and Involuntary commitments to the in-patient psychiatric unit, in accordance of facility policy and Pennsylvania Chapter 5001.71 to 5001.90A.
• Ensures adequate 1:1 coverage for the S/H Veteran while in the MHC and often times remains with the Veteran in the Emergency Department (ED) while medical clearances are being obtained.
• Educates the Veteran about Mental Health Clinic (MHC) services offered in the MHC to include: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anger Management, Wellness Groups and Community programs.
• Meets weekly with their assigned Behavioral Health Integration Program (BHIP) team to discuss and seek guidance with any high risk patients or to address possible ethical issues.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

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 09/08/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12789432.

• 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