Licensed Practical Nurse (Spinal Cord Injury Unit)

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

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical Nurse in the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) unit is to deliver high-quality health care and exceptional customer service, supporting Veterans in a healing environment. You will perform advanced technical nursing duties under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee, focusing on patient comfort, safety, and rehabilitation. Major duties include but are not limited to: Provide fundamental, knowledge-based care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), emphasizing patient comfort, safety, and rehabilitation support. Administer medications, perform wound and catheter care, manage bowel/bladder programs, conduct range-of-motion exercises, and monitor vital signs. Educate patients and families on self-care, medication management, new skills, durable medical equipment (DME), and lifestyle adjustments. Promote patient independence by encouraging self-care and balancing support with challenge. Offer emotional support and address patient and caregiver concerns in a comforting manner. Collaborate with RNs, therapists, and multidisciplinary team members to update care plans and prevent complications such as pressure injuries or infections. Document patient care accurately in the electronic health record (EHR). Observe patients for risks (e.g., self-harm, falls, confusion) and implement safety measures as needed. Maintain a clean, sanitary, and well-stocked unit environment. Pay particular attention to pain management, using multimodal approaches (medications, positioning, exercises) to address pain from injury or spasticity. Demonstrate alertness to patient vulnerability-both medical and emotional. Work Schedule: Overnights, 7pm-7:30a Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

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.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.