Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse

The Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to provide direct patient care across multiple clinical settings including Mental Health, Primary Care, and Eye Clinic. This is a federal position within the Department of Veterans Affairs, offering the stability and benefits of federal employment.

Clinical Setting

You will work in a VA health system serving veterans across multiple care environments. The role involves both inpatient and outpatient settings, requiring flexibility to work in different clinical areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to acutely ill and chronic patients
• Perform nursing procedures including catheterizations, nasogastric feeding, suctioning, sterile dressing application, and suture removal
• Assist physicians and nurses with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as skin biopsies, joint aspirations, phlebotomies, pap smears, pelvic examinations, minor eye surgeries, and minor genitourinary procedures
• Administer medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous) as permitted by facility policy
• Provide patient and family education regarding disease processes, medications, procedures, and preventive health care
• Recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations including cardiac/respiratory arrest and seizures; assist with resuscitation procedures
• Maintain strict adherence to asepsis, safety, and universal precautions
• Prepare patients for procedures, provide reassurance, and obtain necessary equipment
• Observe and document patient responses to medications and treatments
• Report changes in patient condition to the RN or physician
• Recognize equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies and report promptly
• Serve as a preceptor for less experienced LPNs and nursing assistants (at higher grade levels)
• Actively seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Graduation from 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 of program completion (exceptions apply for military training accepted by licensing bodies and certain VHA employee conversions)
• Pass pre-employment physical evaluation
• Pass urinalysis drug screening
• Pass background/security investigation
• Selective Service registration (males born after December 31, 1959)
• Acceptable form of identification for I-9 verification (REAL ID compliant driver's license or state-issued ID as of May 7, 2025)
• Seasonal influenza vaccination or approved exemption with required face mask use

Grade and Experience Requirements

The full performance level is GS-6. Applicants may be selected at GS-3 to GS-4.

GS-3: No experience beyond basic requirements.

GS-4: Any of the following:

• Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, OR
• Graduation from an approved school plus one year of nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical or patient care facility, OR
• Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration

GS-5: Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-4 level or equivalent, with demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care, work effectively with the nursing team, administer medications with appropriate documentation, recognize and respond to emergencies, and provide patient/family education.

GS-6: Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-5 level or equivalent, with technical proficiency in patient care delivery, sound clinical judgment, ability to organize and deliver care considering emotional and socioeconomic factors, and demonstrated ability to serve as a preceptor.

Education

Graduation from an accredited school of practical or vocational nursing is required. Education must be from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If using foreign education, a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency must be submitted with transcripts.

Schedule and Work Environment

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (subject to change based on facility needs)
• Full-time permanent position
• Work is performed in office/clinic settings with minimal risks
• May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
• May require personal protective equipment
• Annual TB screening or testing required
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in sometimes stressful situations
• Telework eligible as determined by agency policy

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rates may be determined based on qualifications or special needs
• Salary range: $36,464 to $68,562 per year (GS-3 to GS-6)
• 37 to 50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays)
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience
• Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Child care subsidy: Eligible full-time employees with family income below $144,000 may receive up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (maximum $416.66 monthly) after 60 days of employment
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many programs continue into retirement)
• No sign-on bonus authorized
• No relocation assistance authorized

Conditions of Employment

• Selected applicants must complete an online onboarding process
• Subject to 1 or 2-year trial period during which fitness and advancement of public interest will be evaluated
• Employment will be terminated upon completion of trial period unless written certification is received that continued employment advances the public interest
• This is an Excepted Service position and does not confer competitive status
• Union representation available
• Pre-employment reference checks will be conducted

Application Requirements

• Complete online application by 11:59 PM ET on August 21, 2026
• Resume (may use standard VA Clinical Resume Document or full CV)
• SF-50 (if current or former federal employee)
• License copy
• Transcript (if using education to qualify)
• Other supporting documents as applicable

Area of Consideration

Eligible applications will be reviewed in the following order:

• Current permanent VA employees of Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks
• All other VA employees
• Current permanent federal employees of other agencies
• All other applicants

Location

Springfield, Missouri (1 vacancy)

Fayetteville AR VA Medical Center, 1100 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703