Providing Compassionate Care: Practical Nurse Careers at the VA

Are you a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) looking to make a lasting impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently hiring for a Practical Nurse position at the Community Living Center (CLC) in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our nation. As a member of our nursing team, you will provide essential care in a supportive, home-like environment, helping veterans achieve their health and rehabilitation goals.

Job Responsibilities

In the Community Living Center, your primary goal is to provide patient-centered nursing care. Your duties will be varied and clinically rewarding, including:

Medication Administration: Safely preparing and administering prescribed oral, topical, and injectable medications.
Clinical Monitoring: Observing patients for changes in condition and reporting these findings to the RN or physician.
Patient Care Planning: Working with the healthcare team to plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for veterans with physical or behavioral needs.
Support and Education: Assisting patients with daily activities and providing education to veterans and their families regarding their health conditions.
Emergency Response: Recognizing urgent situations, initiating emergency interventions, and assisting with CPR as needed.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Licensure: Hold a current, active, and unrestricted LPN license.
Education: Graduate of an accredited practical or vocational nursing program.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Physical Standards: Must be capable of meeting the physical demands of the role.
Compliance: Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Grade Comparison Table

Grade Level	Requirements	Key Focus
GS-3	Basic requirements only	Entry-level clinical support
GS-4	6 months experience or specific education	Developing core nursing skills
GS-5	1 year at GS-4 level	Full range of patient care
GS-6	1 year at GS-5 level	Technical proficiency & precepting

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $49,090 to $83,862 annually. Compensation is determined based on your experience, specific qualifications, and the needs of the facility. The VA also provides regular salary increases and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Working for the federal government comes with an industry-leading benefits package:

Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and long-term care options.
Generous Time Off: Up to 50 days of combined annual leave, sick leave, and holidays.
Retirement Security: Federal pension and 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with matching contributions.
Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave and child care subsidies for qualifying families.

Application Tips

To stand out during the hiring process, ensure your resume is clear and highlights your relevant clinical experience. Utilize the official VA resume template available on their careers site to ensure all required information is included. Be sure to document your experience with specialized procedures, patient interaction, and emergency care. Proofread your submission for accuracy before the 09/10/2026 deadline.

If you are a compassionate nurse ready to advance your career while serving those who have served us, we encourage you to apply. The Aspinwall VA Community Living Center offers a unique environment where clinical excellence meets unwavering dedication to veterans.

Why This Practical Nurse - Community Living Center Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Practical Nurse at the Community Living Center in Aspinwall.

Practical Nurse - Community Living Center Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join the Community Living Center team at the HJ Heinz Campus in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. This role is essential to providing high-quality, compassionate nursing care in a home-like environment for Veterans requiring long-term or skilled nursing support. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to deliver veteran-centered care, administer medications, and assist in rehabilitation goals. This position offers a competitive salary, excellent federal benefits, and the opportunity to advance your clinical career within a mission-driven organization.

Requirements for Practical Nurse - Community Living Center

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess a full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license in a U.S. state, territory, or district.
Must be a graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing.
Must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse - Community Living Center

At least one year of professional LPN clinical experience.
Experience working in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or long-term care setting.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary nursing team.
Knowledge of clinical documentation and electronic health record systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
✓11 paid Federal holidays annually.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement pension and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse - Community Living Center Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Practical Nurse - Community Living Center Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents, including your resume and license.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume and all relevant supporting documentation (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.).
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of 09/10/2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Use the provided VA resume template to ensure all necessary information is captured.
Be specific and thorough when describing your clinical experience to help the hiring team evaluate your grade level.
Double-check that your license is current and documented in your application.
Apply early to avoid technical issues on the closing day.
Ensure all contact information in your USAJOBS profile is up-to-date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this position?

This role involves rotating tours, which include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Can I apply if I am not a veteran?

Yes, this position is open to the public, though it supports the VA mission of caring for veterans.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position at the HJ Heinz Campus in Aspinwall, PA.*

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

*A: No, the position is open to the public.*

What is the trial period?

*A: New federal employees must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to demonstrate fitness for the position.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the VHA, you become part of the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We prioritize whole health and provide our staff with the tools, training, and benefits needed to excel in their nursing practice.