Advance Your Nursing Career: Become a Practical Nurse with the VA in Huntsville
Are you a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse looking to transition into a career where your clinical expertise directly impacts the lives of those who have served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) in Huntsville, Alabama, is currently seeking a motivated Practical Nurse to join our team. This is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing high-quality, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As an LPN in the Primary Care service, you will function as a vital member of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Your duties are diverse and rewarding:
- Patient Care: Assessing vitals, documenting intake data, and managing both chronic and acute illnesses.
- Medication Administration: Preparing, administering, and monitoring medications and immunizations with strict attention to safety protocols.
- Team Collaboration: Working alongside Registered Nurses and Physicians to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Administrative Accuracy: Maintaining electronic records in VISTA and CPRS, ensuring all documentation meets TJC standards of care.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet the following baseline federal requirements:
- Active, unrestricted LPN/LVN license.
- Graduation from an accredited practical nursing program.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a drug screen and physical examination.
Grade Determination Comparison
| Grade | Experience Required | Complexity of Work |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Basic Requirements Only | Supervised/Routine |
| GS-4 | 6 Months LPN exp or equivalent | Greater judgment required |
| GS-5 | 1 Year at GS-4 level | Full range of nursing care |
| GS-6 | 1 Year at GS-5 level | High proficiency/Independent |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $59,653 to $77,548 per year. Additionally, the VA offers unique financial incentives, including the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 toward qualifying student loans.
Benefits
Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled benefits:
- Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Significant student loan reimbursement through the EDRP.
- Robust federal retirement programs.
- Generous paid time off and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: When writing your resume, provide clear examples of your experience with specific patient populations.
- Documentation: Ensure your license is current and that you upload all required certifications.
- Follow Instructions: Review the USAJOBS questionnaire carefully—missing a step can delay your application.
Join us in Huntsville and take pride in knowing your clinical skills are supporting the well-being of our heroes. Apply today and start your journey with the VA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is not authorized for this position.
Q: Can I work virtually? A: No, this is an onsite position requiring daily attendance at the clinic.
Why This Practical Nurse Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on those who served our nation by joining the VA team as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Huntsville, Alabama.
Practical Nurse Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and skilled Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join our Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) in Huntsville, AL. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, compassionate nursing care in a primary care setting, serving our nation's Veterans with excellence and dignity. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to manage chronic and acute health conditions, support medication administration, and advocate for patient wellness.
Requirements for Practical Nurse
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Subject to a background and security investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse
- 2-3 years of professional experience as an LPN/LVN.
- Demonstrated ability to perform independently within the scope of practice.
- Strong skills in patient education and medication management.
- Experience working in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or nursing home setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying loans).
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Accrual of annual and sick leave based on service time.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
- ✓Meaningful work-life balance in a stable clinical environment.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume documenting your nursing experience.
- Gather required documents, including your nursing license, transcripts, and any applicable military service records (DD-214) or SF-50 forms.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of October 29, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed in your resume; avoid making assumptions about how your experience aligns with the grade levels.
- Highlight your experience in primary care or outpatient settings.
- Ensure all license and certification information is current and clearly documented.
- Review your application package twice before submitting to ensure no required documents are missing.
- Save your login information and monitor your email for status updates after the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which provides student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 based on individual eligibility.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The role follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though this may adjust based on agency needs.
Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen?
Yes, U.S. Citizenship is a basic requirement for employment in this role.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA means being part of a large, supportive network of healthcare professionals committed to the principles of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence.