Become a Practical Nurse with the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System

Are you a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) looking to make a meaningful difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled professional to join the team in Olympia, Washington. This role offers the opportunity to provide vital patient care within the most complex and robust healthcare system in the nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Associate within the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), you will:

Provide compassionate, non-judgmental nursing care.
Monitor patient status and report changes to the RN or physician.
Administer medications and perform clinical treatments according to strict safety protocols.
Assist with patient admissions and discharges.
Educate patients and families on disease management and prescribed treatments.
Maintain accurate electronic health records.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must:

Hold a valid, active, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license.
Have graduated from an accredited practical nursing program.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Demonstrate proficiency in English.
Pass required background checks and health evaluations.

Salary and Grade Overview

The following table outlines the potential grade progression for this role:

Grade Level	Key Qualification Focus
GS-03	Basic entry level; meeting education/licensure requirements
GS-04	6 months experience or specific clinical education
GS-05	1 year experience; full range of practical care
GS-06	1 year experience; technical proficiency & complex practice

Annual Salary Range: $55,480 - $86,393 per year.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive compensation package designed to support your long-term success, including federal retirement savings, health insurance, and generous paid leave (37-50 days total annually). Additionally, qualified employees can take advantage of our childcare subsidy program and parental leave benefits.

Application Tips

Use the provided VA resume template to ensure your application is processed efficiently.
Be as detailed as possible regarding your clinical experience.
Ensure your license is current and uploaded as part of your documents.
Apply well before the August 5, 2026, deadline to account for potential technical issues.

Joining the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System means more than just a job; it is a commitment to the heroes of our nation. With professional development, competitive pay, and excellent stability, this LPN role is an ideal step for any nursing career.

Why This Practical Nurse Job Matters

Advance your nursing career with the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System—a premier, Level 1a teaching facility dedicated to providing world-class care to our nation's veterans.

Practical Nurse Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) to join the General Medicine Service Line in Olympia, Washington. As a key member of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), you will provide autonomous, high-quality clinical support under the guidance of Registered Nurses. This role is perfect for a compassionate healthcare professional looking to work in a high-complexity, interdisciplinary environment that prioritizes patient-centered, whole-health outcomes.

Requirements for Practical Nurse

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
Current, active, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Graduation from an accredited practical or vocational nursing program.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background/security investigation.
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse

Experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or nursing home setting.
Technical proficiency in medication administration (oral, topical, IV, etc.).
Ability to respond effectively to urgent or emergent patient conditions.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for patient/family education.
Experience with electronic medical record systems.
Demonstrated judgment in clinical decision-making and nursing interventions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays).
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible families.
✓Credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience.

💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Practical Nurse Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy questionnaire to understand assessment criteria.
Download and complete the standard VA Clinical Resume document.
Upload your resume, licensure, and all relevant supporting documentation (transcripts, SF-50s if applicable).
Submit your application package before the closing date.
Monitor your email for confirmation and status updates.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in your resume to ensure all experience is captured.
The VA uses a standard resume format—ensure you utilize the requested template provided in the announcement.
Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Address any gaps in your work history directly in your resume.
Ensure your licensure information is clearly visible and current.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the grade range for this position?

This position is open at the GS-03 through GS-06 levels, depending on your qualifications and years of experience.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

While the VA values veterans, this position is open to the public; however, please note that veterans' preference may not apply to this specific occupation due to documented staffing shortages.

Is this position remote?

No, this is an on-site, in-person nursing position.

What is the work schedule?

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served in our nation’s military. The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is a Level 1a interdisciplinary teaching facility. With two divisions and numerous clinics, we provide a wide range of services, from emergency care to specialized rehabilitation and spinal cord injury treatment.