Advance Your Nursing Career with the VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with deep personal satisfaction? The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is currently seeking a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to support our Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program. This role offers the chance to work within a world-class, research-oriented teaching hospital while providing vital care to those who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an LVN in our Mental Health division, your day-to-day will involve:
- Providing comprehensive, practical nursing care to patients with complex mental and physical needs.
- Collaborating with RNs and medical providers to execute patient-aligned care plans.
- Administering medications and performing specialized treatments per facility policy.
- Documenting patient conditions, responses to treatments, and any urgent changes in status.
- Educating patients on medication, diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
- Acting as a mentor and preceptor for junior nursing staff.
Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Licensure: You must hold a full, active, and unrestricted license as an LVN or LPN.
- Education: Must be a graduate of an accredited school of practical/vocational nursing.
- Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English is required.
- Physicality: Must pass a pre-employment medical exam and drug screening.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade | Experience Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Basic requirements met | Foundations |
| GS-4 | 6 months experience or specific training | Intermediate support |
| GS-5 | 1 year specialized experience | Full range of patient care |
| GS-6 | 1 year specialized experience | Specialized/Complex procedures |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $58,187 to $105,899 per year, commensurate with experience and grade level. Beyond the paycheck, employees benefit from a robust federal benefits package, including generous leave accrual and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, professional environment that values continuous learning and diversity.
Application Tips
To ensure your application stands out:
- Be Precise: Don’t assume the hiring team knows your previous duties; document them clearly in your resume.
- Include Volunteers: If you have volunteer experience in healthcare, list it to demonstrate your range of skills.
- Submit Early: Ensure all documentation—including licenses and transcripts—is attached before the deadline of November 10, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there an age limit for this position? A: No, but you must meet all medical and physical requirements for federal employment.
Q: What is the work schedule? A: The facility operates on various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility is expected based on patient care needs.
Q: How can I check my status? A: Log into your USAJOBS account to track your application status in real-time.
Working as an LVN at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and a way to honor our Veterans. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and become part of our mission-focused, supportive, and highly skilled team today.
Why This Licensed Vocational Nurse - Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served. Join the VA Palo Alto Health Care System as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and provide compassionate, life-changing care to Veterans in need.
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Job Overview
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to join our Mental Health team within the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program. In this role, you will provide direct, comprehensive practical nursing care in a residential setting, collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes and support our nation's heroes on their path to stability.
Requirements for Licensed Vocational Nurse - Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Full, active, current, and unrestricted LVN/LPN licensure in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Graduate of an accredited school of practical or vocational nursing
- Proficiency in both spoken and written English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Subject to background and security investigation
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Vocational Nurse - Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program
- Previous experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or residential patient care facility
- Demonstrated ability to document patient responses to medication and treatments
- Experience in mental health nursing or working with vulnerable populations
- Ability to effectively educate patients and families on disease processes and medication management
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal leave accrual based on service years
- âś“Comprehensive health and wellness programs
- âś“Access to state-of-the-art medical technology
- âś“Opportunities for professional research and academic collaboration
- âś“Supportive work environment affiliated with Stanford University
đź’ˇ How to Apply Licensed Vocational Nurse - Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Licensed Vocational Nurse - Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts, licenses, and applicable federal documents (SF-50).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 10, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
- Include both paid and relevant volunteer work to demonstrate your full range of competencies.
- Ensure all educational transcripts are included if you are using your degree to meet qualification requirements.
- Double-check your application for missing documents before hitting submit; incomplete packages will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an LVN in this program?
You will serve as a direct care provider, performing nursing duties in a residential mental health setting, ensuring patient stability and collaborating with the nursing team on care plans.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence in Menlo Park, California.
What if I am a recent graduate and do not have significant experience?
The position is open at various grade levels (GS-3 to GS-6). Entry-level requirements vary, but candidates must hold an active license to be considered for hiring.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for our Veterans. The VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) is a leader in clinical care, research, and education. Affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, our facility offers an academic environment where innovation meets compassion. We provide comprehensive services ranging from primary care to complex specialty medicine, supporting over 800 beds and specialized programs like our 100-bed homeless domiciliary.