Licensed Practical Nurse - Surgical Services Clinic
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration - Des Moines, IA
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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. Responsibilities VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Join the VA Central Iowa Health Care System as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in our Surgical Services Clinic Play a critical role in areas such as general surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and more. You'll assist with vital signs, injections, wound care, medication administration, and patient education. With tasks requiring advanced technical skills, you'll support diverse clinics and contribute to exceptional veteran care. Duties include, but not limited to: Performs technical proficiency in initiating, executing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to diverse patient populations within the surgical services clinics. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with varying physical and/or behavioral problems, including vital signs, injections, immunizations, and wound care. Orients and trains less experienced LPNs, Nursing Assistants, and Health Technicians in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides education to patients and/or family members regarding common disease processes, medication, and prescribed treatment regimens. Observes, identifies, and responds to patient needs for care, including medication and equipment-assisted care. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Documents and reports any changes or deviations in patient condition to RN or provider. Recognizes urgent and emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance from RN or provider, and initiates appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Utilizes knowledge of human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions to situations to work effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Performs support duties for complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures, including patient preparation, assisting in diagnostic examinations, handling specialized instruments/equipment, and patient monitoring before, during, and after procedures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0730-1600 Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Physical requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 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 (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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination or evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. Training provided. Complete all application requirements detailed in the
Created: 2026-03-23