Practical Nurse PACT at Birmingham VA Healthcare System - Jasper Clinic (Primary Care) — Applications Closed

Job Description

The Birmingham VA Healthcare System - Jasper Clinic (Primary Care) is seeking a Practical Nurse PACT to perform phlebotomy, collect and handle lab specimens, and provide direct patient care. This role involves using various phlebotomy techniques, preparing lab requisitions, and ensuring proper specimen collection and transport.

The nurse will also maintain compliance with turnaround times, document sample collection, and keep work areas clean. This position is ideal for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) who want to work in a primary care setting within the Veterans Health Administration.

The work area is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.

Salary & Compensation

Salary: $49,992 - $77,044 per year.

Qualification

To qualify for this Practical Nurse PACT position at GS-3 through GS-6, you must be a U.S. Citizen, a graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing program, and hold a full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN license. Grade determinations are based on experience and education.

• U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are not available.
• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time of program completion.
• Full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
• GS-3: None beyond basic requirements; performs duties within scope of license with routine review.
• GS-4: Six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, OR graduation from an approved school and one year of nursing care work, OR graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• GS-5: One year of qualifying experience at GS-4 level; demonstrated ability to provide full range of practical nursing care, orient/train less experienced staff, and administer medications as permitted by facility policies.
• GS-6: One year of additional qualifying experience at GS-5 level, fully meeting all performance requirements.
• Applicants pending completion of educational or licensure requirements may be tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met.
• Grandfathering Provision may apply to current VHA employees already in this occupation.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform proper and successful phlebotomy procedures and manage complications.
• Use a variety of phlebotomy techniques to ensure proper collection of specimen samples meeting laboratory requirements.
• Collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
• Label sterile containers for samples such as urine and instruct patients on proper collection procedures.
• Assemble, maintain, and dispose of medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials.
• Maintain compliance with established processes: turnaround time expectations, collecting and handling specimens, proper documentation of sample collection.
• Prepare lab requisitions in computer by acquiring all required information.
• Properly prepare and package all specimens for courier transport in a timely manner and ensure all lab work is complete and error-free.
• Accommodate patient and laboratory needs by professionally responding to requests for flexibility in duties, schedules, and staffing.
• Keep work areas and equipment clean and sanitary.

Conditions & Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
• Subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 2-year trial period; employment may be terminated if continued employment does not advance the public interest.
• Driver's license or state-issued ID must be REAL ID compliant as of May 7, 2025.

Benefits

• Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement; must apply within four months of appointment.
• Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
• Access to a range of benefits designed for federal employees; eligibility depends on position type and work schedule.

How You Will Be Evaluated

1. Your application, resume, and supporting documentation will be verified for qualifications and eligibility.
2. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications; be clear and specific in describing your experience.
3. Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps).
4. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks.
5. After the vacancy closes, applications are reviewed, a referral certificate is issued, and applicants are notified by email.
6. Referred applicants may be contacted for an interview; all referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision is made.

Required Documents

• Resume (no page limit; the 2-page restriction does not apply; you may upload a full CV in the 'Other' field).
• Professional Certification (copy of LPN/LVN license).
• Transcript (if using education to qualify; must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education).
• SF-50/Notification of Personnel Action (for current/former federal employees).
• Cover Letter (optional).
• Other (1) document upload field available for additional supporting materials.
• If relying on education, provide only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Foreign education must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

How to Apply

1. To apply, go to the official application portal and open the announcement. with your the official application portal account (or create one) and complete the online application questionnaire. Attach your federal resume and all required documents (license, transcripts, SF-50 if applicable). Review your application and click Submit My Answers. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on Aug…

Additional Information

• This announcement is open to current, permanent VHA employees and the public; first consideration goes to current, permanent Birmingham VA employees.
• The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP); you must meet eligibility requirements and submit an application within four months of appointment.
• Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.
• Telework is not available for this position.
• This is a permanent, full-time appointment.
• The duty location is the Jasper Clinic in Jasper, AL, part of the Birmingham VA Healthcare System.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VA Health Care Personnel; exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons, but face masks are required if exempted.
• Failure to provide all required information may result in an ineligible rating or affect your overall rating.
• Contact James Brinson at [email protected] for questions about this announcement.
• The address for the Birmingham VA Medical Center is 700 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233.

About Company

The Birmingham VA Healthcare System provides complete health care services to veterans in Alabama and surrounding areas. It operates multiple facilities including the Jasper Clinic, which focuses on primary care. As part of the Veterans Health Administration, the system is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

This Practical Nurse PACT position supports the clinic's mission by ensuring efficient lab specimen collection and patient care. Working here means joining a dedicated team that serves those who have served our country, with opportunities for professional growth and federal benefits.