Licensed Practical Nurse

Full Job Description

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran.

Performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee. Assigned tasks require advanced technical competence and skill.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education: 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 the program was completed by the applicant.

*Education exceptions listed in qualification standard.

Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.

Physical Requirements. Please see physical requirements in additional information section. English Language Proficiency. Proficient in both spoken and written English.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: GS-6 [(a) Completion of] at least [one (1)] year of [additional] qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent [, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

(b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

(c) Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant] patient information.

Completed work [should need] only a general review by a registered nurse [(RN) or physician (MD/DO)] for [ ] appropriateness and conformity with [established policies/procedures.

(d)] [ ] Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for [care, including] medication, [ ] equipment-assisted care and [patient/family education].

In [organizing and delivering] care [ ], the [LPN/LVN recognizes and] considers [ ] emotional [, socio-economic, and age-related] factors.

[(e) Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures.

Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.

(f) Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.

(g) Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff.

(h) Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills.

Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery.

Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and, or other internal/external customers.

(i) Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure.

Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures.

(j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Preferred Experience: Primary Care and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See additional information section below. Major Duties:

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties/ responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice.

Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient condition; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information in the electronic health record (EHR).

To make observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response.

Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing a registered nurse (RN) or licensed independent practitioner (LIP) of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention.

Performs, reports, and records/documents assigned nursing care, including but not limited to: oxygen therapy, medication administration to include intravenous (IV) medication if certified, delegated procedures and treatments, minor procedure assistance including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment and patient monitoring, patient positioning, and ensuring comfort and privacy.

Completes clinical reminders, consults, and alerts as indicated. Checks expiration dates of medications and supplies. Assesses and identifies cardiac rhythms.

Assesses and identifies of cardiac rhythms. Adhere to standards of practice and safe techniques in preparation and administration of medication.

Will demonstrate understanding of age and population specific characteristics that affect the healthcare needs of the Veteran.

Will promptly recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance, and effectively intervene as appropriate and when directed.

Will base care on the patient's goals, provide patient and family health education including self-management, prevention, and wellness.

Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized