Advance Your Nursing Career with the Bay Pines VA

Are you a compassionate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse looking to make a significant difference in the lives of our nation's heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at Bay Pines, Florida, is currently seeking a dedicated LPN/LVN to join our Mental Health and Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP). This role is perfect for nursing professionals who thrive in collaborative, recovery-oriented environments and are committed to excellence in patient care.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPN/LVN, your daily duties will be diverse and impactful. Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Care: Delivering direct nursing care to Veterans with mental health and substance use challenges.
Treatment Implementation: Executing recovery-oriented interventions in partnership with an interdisciplinary team.
Assessment: Utilizing evidence-based tools (like PHQ-9 or GAD-7) to measure symptom progression.
Medication Management: Preparing and administering medications while closely observing and documenting patient reactions.
Crisis Intervention: Recognizing and responding to urgent patient care needs and performing emergency measures when necessary.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Grade Level	Key Focus	Required Experience
GS-03	Entry-level duties	Basic licensing requirements
GS-04	Fundamental nursing support	6 months qualifying experience
GS-05	Independent practice/monitoring	1 year at GS-4 equivalent
GS-06	Advanced specialized care	1 year at GS-5 equivalent

Requirements

To be considered for this vital position, you must meet several key criteria:

You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a current, active, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license.
Possess strong proficiency in written and spoken English.
Be prepared to undergo a background investigation and pre-employment physical.
Comply with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirement.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, ranging from $44,405 to $74,760 per year.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Our employees enjoy:

Robust federal health and retirement benefits.
Generous paid time off (annual and sick leave).
Opportunities for professional growth within a massive healthcare network.
The personal satisfaction of serving Veterans.

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Clearly list your experience with mental health or specialized procedures. Avoid using vague terms.
Use the Required Documents Check: Ensure you attach your transcripts and license copies before hitting submit.
Prepare for the Questionnaire: The online questionnaire is a critical step; answer all questions honestly and accurately.

If you are an LPN/LVN with a heart for service, the Bay Pines VA invites you to apply. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality care to Veterans while working alongside some of the best medical professionals in the nation. Join us in fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served.

Why This Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Mental Health/Mhrrtp Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served. Join our dedicated mental health care team at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Mental Health/Mhrrtp Job Overview

The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center is seeking a compassionate Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) to join our Mental Health and Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP). In this role, you will provide recovery-oriented care, implement evidence-based interventions, and serve as a vital member of our interdisciplinary healthcare team. You will work in a supportive environment dedicated to the well-being of Veterans, ensuring they receive high-quality care, respect, and advocacy throughout their treatment journey.

Requirements for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Mental Health/Mhrrtp

U.S. Citizenship
Active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Completion of an approved practical or vocational nursing program
Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Mental Health/Mhrrtp

3-5 years of direct LPN experience
Experience in mental health or substance use disorder nursing
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Proficiency in utilizing evidence-based screening tools (e.g., CIWA, COWS, PHQ-9)

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
✓Paid annual leave and sick leave
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Regular salary increases
✓Professional development opportunities
✓Recruitment/relocation incentives for highly qualified new appointees

💡 How to Apply Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Mental Health/Mhrrtp Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Mental Health/Mhrrtp Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare a detailed long-form resume highlighting your nursing experience.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including your nursing license and transcripts.
Review your application package for completeness.
Submit your application before the closing date of November 5, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your scope of practice.
Ensure your resume explicitly maps to the duties and requirements listed in the announcement.
Check for any gaps in your documentation, especially regarding licenses and educational transcripts.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Monitor your email for status notifications following the closing of the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary appointment with an expected end date of May 1, 2028.

What is the typical work schedule for this role?

The shifts for this position are 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Can I work remotely?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Bay Pines facility and does not support telework.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

*A: No, this position is open to the public, though veterans receive preference according to federal law.*

Is there relocation assistance?

*A: Relocation assistance is not authorized for this specific position.*

How do I check my status?

*A: Log into your USAJOBS account and navigate to your "Applications" dashboard.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is a cornerstone of medical excellence in southwest Florida. As one of the busiest VA systems in the country, we serve thousands of Veterans across nine distinct locations. Our mission, rooted in the "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guides every interaction we have with those who have served our country.