CHALLENGING

SATISFYING

REWARDING

Department of 

Veterans Affairs

LICENSED PRACTICAL/

VOCATIONAL NURSING

VA CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Career You Want. The Future You Deserve. An Equal Opportunity Employer
“To Care for Him Who Shall

Have Borne the Battle and for

His Widow, and His Orphan.”

- Abraham Lincoln, March 1865

Urban Beat

Nightlife doesn’t get any better when you live

in urban America. From New York City to

Chicago, VA offers employment opportunities

in rhythm with the nation’s coolest hotspots. 

OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LPN/LVNS

A career as an LPN/LVN with VA offers a future that is

challenging, satisfying, and rewarding. Excellent

opportunities are available for you to utilize your skills,

increase your knowledge, apply the latest advances in

health care delivery, and contribute directly to the

interdisciplinary process of planning for patient care. 

Nursing opportunities are available for LPN/LVNs across the

continuum of care in primary, ambulatory, acute, geriatrics,

mental health, and extended care settings, including but

not limited to:

OPPORTUNITIES

WHY VA?

“I chose VA for its benefits,

which were better than any

other hospital that I researched. I enjoy the

camaraderie with the former soldiers - 

I’m a retired soldier myself.”

— Ronnie Jemison

LPN, Phoenix

Many VA LPN/LVNs also experience the satisfaction of

serving as role models for LPN/LVN students. VA plays a

major role in training health care professionals through

its strong affiliations with registered and licensed

practical/vocational nursing schools.

• Alcohol/drug treatment

• Ambulatory care/

primary care

• Emergency room

• Hemodialysis

• Home health

• Intensive care

• Long term care

• Medical/surgical

• Mental health/

behavioral sciences

• Oncology

• Operating room

• Rehabilitative medicine

• Research

• Spinal cord injury

2 3

Did you know that VA:

★ Employs more than 36,000 registered nurses and 

more than 10,000 LPN/LVNs

★ Provides clinical rotations for many LPN/LVNs 

in the nation through affiliations with licensed

practical/vocational nursing schools

★ Offers other training, including cooperative education,

for a variety of health care disciplines through

affiliations with undergraduate and graduate

programs at numerous colleges and universities

★ Provides inpatient care to about 750,000 veterans and

manages more than 40 million outpatient visits each

year through medical centers and supporting facilities

★ Has facilities in all 50 states, U.S. Territories, and the

District of Columbia

★ Is committed to improving patient care through 

the use of technology, including a computerized

patient record system, wireless technology, barcode

medication administration system, and more

★ Operates command centers to coordinate services

during major disasters through the National Disaster

Medical Service

★

★THE BEST CARE

VA – Keeping the Promise to Those Who Served

More than a century ago, President Lincoln made a

promise to America’s servicemen and women, pledging

the care and concern of a grateful nation for the

sacrifices they made to preserve freedom. Since 1930, the

mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has

been to keep that promise. Today, VA offers veterans one

of the largest, most comprehensive health care systems in

the United States with more than 163 medical centers,

800-plus ambulatory and community-based outpatient

clinics, 135 nursing homes, and many other facilities such

as domiciliaries and readjustment counseling centers.

THE BEST EMPLOYMENT

VA and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses

VA values the commitment its LPN/LVN make to providing

quality health care for our Nation’s veterans. 

In return, VA offers its LPN/LVNs first-rate employment

benefits, as well as employment opportunities that truly

open career doors. Nurses choose the VA system for 

its extensive education support and tuition reimbursement

programs, its technology-driven patient care, nationwide

job transfer opportunities, and ample paid leave. Nurses

also choose VA for the opportunity to care for America’s

veterans. As a VA LPN/LVN, you play an essential role in

keeping the promise to those who served.
RETIREMENT

Employees are covered by the Federal Employees’

Retirement System (FERS). FERS, a three-tier retirement

plan, is comprised of Social Security benefits, FERS basic

benefits, and the Thrift Saving Plan (TSP). TSP is a taxdeferred savings plan with an automatic base

contribution and partial matching of employee

contributions by the Federal Government.

MOBILITY AND LICENSURE

VA medical facilities are located in all 50 states, the

District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. 

An employee may transfer to any location where there 

is an available vacancy without loss of benefits. Multiple

licenses are not required. LPN/LVNs may practice in any

VA medical facility, regardless of location, with a current,

unrestricted license from any State, Commonwealth,

Territory (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.

LIABILITY PROTECTION

The United States Government accepts full responsibility

and liability for the actions of its employees during the

exercise of their official duties. VA LPN/LVNs, therefore,

are protected by the Federal Government in instances 

of alleged malpractice or negligence resulting from the

performance of their duties in or for the Veterans 

Health Administration.

WORKPLACE BENEFITS

• Smoke-free and drug-free workplace

• Childcare at some facilities

• Childcare subsidy program

• Free parking at most facilities

• Transit subsidy at most facilities

• Uniform allowance

• Credit unions

• Employee association

• Dining facilities and tax-free retail store

• Employee wellness programs

VA’s mission is to provide the best possible care for America’s

veterans. In return for helping VA achieve this goal, VA offers

extensive employment benefits. 

LEAVE AND INSURANCE 

• 13 to 26 days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave each

year, depending on years of service

• 13 days paid sick leave each year

• 10 paid Federal holidays each year

• 15 days paid military leave each year

• Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows employees to

take up to 12 weeks of leave for medical reasons, for the

birth or adoption/foster care of a child, and for the care of a

child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health problem

• Choice of group health insurance plans with premiums

partially paid by the Federal Government; insurance may

become effective as soon as the first full pay period after

beginning duty

• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage 

options are available with the cost shared by the 

Federal Government

BENEFITS

EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes the

importance of ongoing education and the benefit it

provides to both veteran patients and employees. VA

encourages career development for LPN/LVNs through

the following programs:

Upward Mobility Training Programs – These

programs offer, on a competitive basis, opportunities 

to advance to higher level positions.

In-service Education Programs – These programs are

offered locally and through VA Employee Education

System (EES).

Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP) –

This scholarship program allows VHA employees to

further their education and obtain degrees qualifying

them for health care positions for which recruitment and

retention is difficult (such as LPN to RN).

Tuition Support Program – Employees in health care

disciplines identified as VA shortage categories may be

eligible for funding to enroll in job-related courses,

continuing education courses, and conferences.

Tuition Reimbursement Program – Tuition

reimbursement may be available to full-time VA

employees who are enrolled in any accredited nursing

degree program, from associate to doctoral degrees.

Prerequisite courses required for acceptance into a

degree program are also funded.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – 

The EDRP allows VA to provide education loan

repayments for newly hired health care professionals.

The education loan(s) must be for courses that led

directly to qualifying for the hired position.

“I love working here. The

veterans need good nurses,

and they are so grateful

for even the smallest need

that’s met. It’s also a good experience to

work here. There are many new advances

in technology that we utilize that are not

in place at other health facilities.”

— Sharla McDaniel, LVN, Dallas

Coastal Living

Hot sun, sandy beaches, and

great times with friends –

all are yours when you live

near the coast. Choose a VA

facility near the West Coast

or East Coast and all your

downtime is beach time.

5
PERSONNEL POLICIES

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications for employment as a VA 

LPN/LVN are: 

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens may be hired on a

temporary basis when qualified citizens are not available) 

• Graduation from a school of practical or vocational

nursing approved by the appropriate state accrediting

agency and/or the National League for Nursing

Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the

program was completed by the applicant 

Or 

Equivalent health care education in the military service 

or training in the military service, which is accepted by

the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the

individual is licensed

Or 

Licensure in a jurisdiction that does not require

graduation from an approved school, providing the

individual has demonstrated successful practice as an

LPN/LVN

• Licensure: Successful completion of a state-approved

written examination for practical/vocational nursing and

possession of a full, active, current, and unrestricted

license in the United States in any State, Commonwealth,

Territory (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia 

• English language proficiency

• Personal interview

• Satisfactory physical examination; may include drug

screening

SALARY INFORMATION 

• VA’s LPN/LVNs are compensated according to civil

service grades that are found on the Federal General

Schedule (GS) salary scale. 

• LPN/LVNs with no experience are hired at the 

GS-3 level. Those who have graduated from a nursing

program and have obtained at least one year’s nursing

assistant experience, or those who have graduated

from a 24-month program at an approved school, 

may qualify to enter at the GS-4 level.

• Experienced applicants may start at a higher grade

depending on prior experience. 

• Special salary rates may be in effect at certain locations

based on pay-related staffing needs and based on

locality cost of living. 

• The GS scale is revised periodically based on the rate of

increase in private sector salaries.

• LPN/LVNs are awarded regular increases within each

grade based on satisfactory performance. 

• Accelerated increases within each grade may be

awarded for outstanding performance and

achievement. 

• LPN/LVNs also receive periodic consideration for

promotion to higher grades as experience requirements

and performance standards are met. 

• VA offers premium pay for overtime, Saturday, Sunday,

and holiday duty; LPN/LVNs receive a shift differential

for evening and night tours. 

You should apply directly to the Nursing Recruitment

Office or the Human Resource Management Service at

the VA health care facility where you desire employment

consideration. Hiring decisions are made locally.

However, information about VA nursing programs and

application procedures may be obtained from any VA

facility. Arrangements can be made to have the required

personal interview and physical examination conducted

at the facility most convenient to you.

Employment information can also be obtained by

contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs,

Placement Service (10A2D), 1555 Poydras Street, Suite

1971, New Orleans, LA 70112. The toll-free number is 

1-800-949-0002. Employment information can also be

found on the Internet at http://www.vacareers.com. 

HOW TO APPLY

“I strongly recommend VA. Where else can you receive great

annual leave, sick leave, and military leave, plus expand your

knowledge and continue your education? Most employers offer

70% or 80% tuition reimbursement. At VA, you can get full

help with your education with a commitment on your part. 

VA really supports its LPNs.”

The Heartland Choice

Snow-covered mountains in winter,

sun-soaked prairies in summer –

the Midwest is a nature lover’s

dream. Working for VA, you have

a broad choice of locations in the

nation’s heartland. 

— Ralph Pittman

LPN, Salt Lake City 

6
ALABAMA

Birmingham (35233)

Montgomery (36109)

Tuscaloosa (35404)

Tuskegee (36083)

ALASKA

Anchorage (99508)

ARIZONA

Phoenix (85012)

Prescott (86313)

Tucson (85723)

ARKANSAS

Fayetteville (72703)

Little Rock (72205)

CALIFORNIA

Bakersfield (93301)

Fresno (93703)

Livermore (94550)

Loma Linda (92357)

Long Beach (90822)

Los Angeles (90012)

Martinez (94553)

Menlo Park (94025)

Palo Alto (94304)

San Diego (92161)

San Francisco (94121)

Santa Barbara (93110)

Sepulveda (91343)

West Los Angeles (90073)

COLORADO

Denver (80220)

Grand Junction (81501)

Pueblo (81004)

CONNECTICUT

Newington (06111)

West Haven (06516)

DELAWARE

Wilmington (19805)

DISTRICT OF

COLUMBIA

Washington (20422)

FLORIDA

Bay Pines (33708)

Gainesville (32608)

Lake City (32055)

Miami (33125)

Tampa (33612)

West Palm Beach (33410)

GEORGIA

Augusta (30904)

Decatur (Atlanta 30033)

Dublin (31021)

HAWAII

Honolulu (96819)

IDAHO

Boise (83702)

ILLINOIS

Chicago (Lakeside 60611)

Chicago (West Side 60612)

Danville (61832)

Hines (60141)

Marion (62959)

North Chicago (60064)

INDIANA

Fort Wayne (46805)

Indianapolis (46202)

Marion (46953)

IOWA

Des Moines (50310)

Iowa City (52246)

Knoxville (50138)

KANSAS

Leavenworth (66048)

Topeka (66622)

Wichita (67218)

KENTUCKY

Lexington (40511)

Louisville (40206)

LOUISIANA

Alexandria (71306)

New Orleans (70146)

Shreveport (71101)

MAINE

Togus (04330)

MARYLAND

Baltimore (21201)

Fort Howard (21052)

Perry Point (21902)

MASSACHUSETTS

Bedford (01730)

Boston (02130)

Northhampton (01053)

Brockton (02401)

West Roxbury (02132)

MICHIGAN

Ann Arbor (48105)

Battle Creek (49015)

Detroit (48201)

Iron Mountain (49801)

Saginaw (48602)

MINNESOTA

Minneapolis (55417)

St. Cloud (56303)

MISSISSIPPI

Biloxi (39531)

Jackson (39216)

MISSOURI

Columbia (65201)

Kansas City (64128)

Poplar Bluff (63901)

St. Louis (63125)

MONTANA

Fort Harrison (59636)

Miles City (59301)

NEBRASKA

Grand Island (68803)

Lincoln (68510)

Omaha (68105)

NEVADA

Las Vegas (89106)

Reno (89520)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Manchester (03104)

NEW JERSEY

East Orange (07018)

Lyons (07939)

NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque (87108)

NEW YORK

Albany (12208)

Bath (14810)

Bronx (10468)

Brooklyn (11209)

Buffalo (14215)

Canandaigua (14424)

Castle Point (12511)

Montrose (10548)

New York 

(Manhattan 10010)

Northport 

(Long Island 11768)

St. Albans (11425)

Syracuse (13210)

NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville (28805)

Durham (27705)

Fayetteville (28301)

Salisbury (28144)

NORTH DAKOTA

Fargo (58102)

OHIO

Chillicothe (45601)

Cincinnati (45220)

Cleveland (44106)

Columbus (43203)

Dayton (45428)

OKLAHOMA

Muskogee (74401)

Oklahoma City (73104)

OREGON

Portland (97207)

Roseburg (97470)

White City (97503)

PENNSYLVANIA

Altoona (16602)

Butler (16001)

Coatesville (19320)

Erie (16504)

Lebanon (17042)

Philadelphia (19104)

Pittsburgh 

(Highland Drive 15206)

Pittsburgh 

(University Drive 15240)

Wilkes-Barre (18711)

PHILLIPPINES

Manila (96515) (FPO AF)

PUERTO RICO

San Juan (00921)

RHODE ISLAND

Providence (02908)

SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston (29401)

Columbia (29209)

SOUTH DAKOTA

Fort Meade (57741)

Hot Spring (57747)

Sioux Falls (57117)

TENNESSEE

Memphis (38104)

Mountain Home (37684)

Murfreesboro (37129)

Nashville (37212)

TEXAS

Amarillo (79106)

Austin (78741)

Big Springs (79720)

Bonham (75418)

Dallas (75216)

El Paso (79925)

Houston (77030)

Kerrville (78028)

Martin (76661)

San Antonio (78284)

Temple (76504)

Waco (76711)

UTAH

Salt Lake City (84148)

VERMONT

White River Junction

(05009)

VIRGINIA

Hampton (23667)

Richmond (23249)

Salem (24153)

WASHINGTON

American Lake 

(Tacoma 98493)

Seattle (98108)

Spokane (99205)

Walla Walla (99362)

WEST VIRGINIA

Beckley (25801)

Clarksburg (26301)

Huntington (25704)

Martinsburg (25401)

WISCONSIN

Madison (53705)

Milwaukee (53295)

Tomah (54660)

WYOMING

Cheyenne (82001)

Sheridan (82801)

To gain a first-hand view of VA health care,

you are invited and encouraged to visit.

Please call or write to arrange for an

appointment. Telephone numbers for each

facility are listed in local phone directories

under “U.S. Government.” Or you can

address correspondence to: The Nursing

Recruitment Office or the Human Resource

Management Service, VA Medical Center,

[City, State, ZIP Code] (listed below).

VA HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

Learn more online about our facilities at www.vacareers.com/facilities.cfm IB 10-21

October 2003