The Buffalo VA Medical Center is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse to join the Nursing, Mental Health team. The practical nurse functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team, participates in providing holistic care to patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic stages of illness with changing nursing needs that are predictable and require periodic assessment by the registered nurse.
The LPN participates in planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care by: Maintaining positive patient/family/staff relationships by utilizing appropriate communication skills. Assisting in the collection and documentation of objective and subjective data relative to more complex patient situations. Participating in patient centered conferences/shift reports and contributing information for the development and review of nursing's plan of care.
Collaborating with the Registered Nurse in developing, selecting the appropriate sequence of procedures, and implementing a plan of care individualized to carry out the nursing needs of the patient. Providing competent patient care in a manner which ensures safety to patient, staff, visitors and self and seeking direction as necessary. Maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment and reporting potential and actual hazards to the registered nurse.
Adhering to all safety and health standards, regulations, and work practices. Organizing and obtaining routine supplies and equipment for patient care delivery. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Assisting with routine diagnostic measures, such as lumbar puncture, preparation for radiological or operative procedure, etc.
Performing and/or assisting in all aspects of nursing care to meet patient's needs. These needs include: Psychosocial/Spiritual well being Personal Hygiene Physical Comfort and privacy Activity, exercise, rest Nutrition Elimination Prevention of skin breakdown Rehabilitation aspects of care Safety Recognizing emergent situations and initiating appropriate intervention. Initiates CPR when indicated and maintains BLS certification.
Technically proficient in performing a full range of practical nursing care as appropriate to area of assignment. Ability to carry out assigned patient care based on the patient's condition and uses judgement to select the appropriate order and sequence of treatments. Administering selected medications, including psychotropic drugs, seeking clarification of orders as necessary.
Identifying the need for PRN medications and recognizing, reporting, and documenting effects of medications. Documenting administration of all medications in the Medical Record following established policies. Documenting the response to PRN medications in the Medical Record according to policy and procedure. Assisting with monitoring prescribed therapies (e.g.
oxygen therapy), and implementation of the treatment program 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.
Recording pertinent information in the medical record, and reporting patient status to a registered nurse. Documenting patient/family/significant other teaching and their response to the teaching. Assisting in orienting patients/family/staff to unit routines and pertinent VAWNYHS and Network 2 policies. Working as a cooperative and courteous member of the interdisciplinary team.
Displaying respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes, or nature of health problems. Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature. Assisting in the implementation of the unit's quality improvement program.
Following established safety practices and reporting to the supervisor, as promptly as possible, any occupational illness or injury which is sustained. Completes all mandatory requirements and appropriate competencies before the due date for the areas in which they are assigned. Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and other staff at all times. Applying relevant growth and development processes when treating and caring for age-specific veterans.
Identifying physical, social, psychological, cultural needs of veterans when delivering care. Work Schedule: 6:00am - 6:30pm/6:00am - 2:30pm; position is a 12 hour shift with one (1) 8 hour tour during each pay period Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 23918 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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/.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $40143 – $69480/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-03.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-27 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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