Practical Nurse (ER)

Duties

• Serve as a practical nurse performing a variety of complex, advanced, and specialized nursing care duties for acutely ill and critically ill patients in an Emergency Department.
• Plan and coordinate care with Emergency Department staff physician and Charge Nurse as required.
• Collect assessment data regarding the physical and emotional status of patients to include vital signs, electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter readings, and visual acuity.
• Administers prescribed medications; observe for desired action and adverse reactions, and responds appropriately.
• Prepare patients for and administer oral, sublingual, nebulized and inhalation, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and piggyback medications.
• Instruct patient/family on home care, medication, and treatment prescribed by the physician.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position is designated "Mission Essential" In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent may be required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• This position is required to be screened for and obtain necessary immunizations/vaccinations (hepatitis, influenza, etc.), unless exempted by a licensed physician
• This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing.
• Required to lift up to 50 lbs in the regular performance of their duties.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• This position is required to work uncommon tours of duty hours such as, on-call, working either fixed or rotating shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• This position is subject to screening and update of required immunizations unless exempted for medical or administrative reasons.
• This position is required to work uncommon tours of duty hours such as, on-call, working either fixed or rotating shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• This position has a TDY or business travel requirement of 5% of the time to various locations. This may require travel on military aircraft, ships, and vehicles.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is .

Licensure: A current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia; OR must have applied for a license to practice. Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it. Non-licensed candidates who have completed their training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period. Those not licensed must furnish the date on which they applied for a license and the jurisdiction involved. No person appointed pending licensure may be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure has not been attained.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirement listed below:

Experience: One year of nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing duties such as assisting professional health care providers in taking emergency action; assisting with emergency and medical procedures; and reacting to life-threatening situations and emergencies in accordance with emergency protocols. This definition of experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade level in the federal service (GS-05).

Education

See Education Above

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.