Advance Your Nursing Career: Licensed Practical Nurse Opportunities at the St. Louis VA
Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a role that offers both personal fulfillment and professional stability? The St. Louis VA Healthcare System is currently seeking passionate Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to join our team. By serving our nation’s Veterans, you will play a critical role in providing comprehensive, compassionate health care in a mission-driven environment. This position offers not only competitive compensation but also the chance to be part of a healthcare system that values clinical excellence and patient advocacy.
Job Responsibilities
As an LPN within the Primary Care PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) model, your duties are both clinical and collaborative. Key responsibilities include:
- Direct Patient Care: Providing a full range of nursing care under the guidance of Registered Nurses and Physicians.
- Clinical Monitoring: Observing, recording, and reporting changes in patient status and assisting with holistic care plans.
- Medication Administration: Preparing and administering medications while ensuring proper documentation and safety protocols.
- Patient Education: Educating patients and their families on disease management, preventative care, and prescribed treatments.
- Emergency Response: Identifying urgent care needs and assisting in resuscitation or emergency interventions when necessary.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold an active, unrestricted LPN/LVN license in a U.S. State or Territory.
- Education: Graduation from an approved school of practical or vocational nursing.
- English Proficiency: Must be fully proficient in written and spoken English.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required for appointment.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background check and drug screen.
Grade Determination Comparison
| Grade Level | Experience Requirement | Performance Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| GS-03 | Basic requirements only | Entry-level duties with close supervision |
| GS-04 | 6 months experience or equivalent education | Standard LPN duties under routine review |
| GS-05 | 1 year of experience at GS-4 level | Full range of care; ability to orient junior staff |
| GS-06 | 1 year of experience at GS-5 level | Technically proficient; complex practice support |
Salary and Benefits Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $54,031 to $85,728 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package, including:
- Generous Paid Time Off: Accruing 13 to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: Access to a federal pension and a 401k-style plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- Insurance: Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly delineate your clinical experience. Use numbers and concrete examples of patient care tasks to ensure your qualifications are unmistakable to the hiring team.
- Documentation is Key: Have your license, transcripts, and any veterans' preference documents ready to upload before starting the application.
- Follow Procedures: The federal hiring process is precise. Ensure your application includes all requested forms to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the work schedule? A: Typically, this role operates Monday through Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm.
Q: Is there potential for career growth? A: Yes, the position has promotion potential up to the GS-6 level, and the VA encourages continuous learning through internal educational opportunities.
Q: Do I need to provide a transcript? A: Yes, if your qualifying experience is tied to your education, official or unofficial transcripts must be included in your application package.
If you are an LPN ready to elevate your career, the St. Louis VA Healthcare System offers a unique environment where your clinical skills directly impact the well-being of our Veterans. Apply today and start a rewarding journey of service and excellence.
Why This Licensed Practical Nurse Job Matters
Launch a rewarding healthcare career where your work directly impacts the lives of those who served our nation.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Overview
The St. Louis VA Healthcare System is seeking dedicated Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to provide compassionate, high-quality care to Veterans across multiple clinical sites in Missouri and Illinois. In this role, you will work within a collaborative team to deliver ambulatory care, perform health assessments, and support patient-centered treatment plans in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.
Requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse
- U.S. Citizenship (unless recruitment of citizens is not possible).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Graduation from an accredited practical or vocational nursing program.
- Active, full, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license in a U.S. State or Territory.
- Successful completion of a drug screening.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
- Current seasonal influenza vaccination or an approved exemption.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Practical Nurse
- Experience in an ambulatory care or hospital-based setting.
- Proven competency in patient-centered nursing care.
- Ability to precept and orient less experienced clinical staff.
- Skill in administering complex oral, topical, and intravenous medications.
- Demonstrated excellence in customer service and patient education.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13 to 26 days of annual leave based on tenure.
- ✓13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
💡 How to Apply Licensed Practical Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Licensed Practical Nurse Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume documenting your clinical experience.
- Gather required documents, including professional licenses, transcripts, and (if applicable) SF-50s or DD-214.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically details your nursing duties to reflect the required competencies for the grade level desired.
- Do not assume the recruiter knows your scope of practice; explicitly state your daily clinical responsibilities.
- Check that your contact information is accurate to ensure you receive status updates.
- Submit your documents well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected grade level for this position?
The position is open from GS-3 to GS-6 depending on experience and qualifications.
Are there opportunities for relocation assistance?
Relocation incentives are not authorized for these positions.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an in-person, patient-care position requiring presence at one of our assigned clinical sites.
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 military and their families. The St. Louis VA Health Care System is a premier, two-division facility that serves East Central Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. From specialized spinal cord injury treatment to outpatient clinics, our system provides world-class care across 65 subspecialty areas. When you join our team, you become part of a larger, supportive network dedicated to the "Whole Health" of every Veteran.