Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse

Full Job Description

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) 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.

The LPN/LVN also performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes outstanding customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. Basic Requirements: Citizenship.

Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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)].

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 as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment.

VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C.

7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C.

7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C.

7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. 3 Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C. 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.

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).

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. In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade.

The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

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.

(i) Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, 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.

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-06.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 . Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Major Duties:

Duties, include, however, not limited to: Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response.

Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention.

The LN performs, reports and documents assigned nursing care in the Primary Care Clinics for both in person and virtual care modalities.

Oxygen administration if applicable Adhere to the PACT Nursing Protocols within scope of practice. Medication administration to include Immunizations.

Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated Check expiration dates of meds and supplies.

Delegated procedures and treatments Documentation Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy.

Monitors patient during the procedure. Promote whole health initiatives to include but not limited to Tele-MOVE Guided imagery Conduct chart audits as assigned.

Participates in performance improvement initiatives. Facilitates Clinical Video Technology appointments. Check in and Check out Veterans on daily basis.

Collaborates with PACT team review future appointments. Participates in daily huddles.

Secure Messaging with appropriate response and recommendation within scope Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, can be Assistant Nurse manager or Nurse Manager.

Adheres to standards of practice and safe techniques in preparation and administration of medication.

Demonstrates understanding of age-and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran.

Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance, and effectively intervenes as directed when appropriate.

Based on the patient's goals and as assigned by the RN, provides patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention, and wellness.

Phlebotomy and lab duties to include: accessioning of specimens from computer system; venipuncture for blood specimens; collection and acceptance of other bodily fluids such as urine/sputum/stool; proper labeling of specimens.

h. Performing proper lab technique of spinning, pouring off plasma and/or serum, and freezing samples collected with proper packaging of specimens for shipment to Columbia VA HCS.

Interacts and communicates appropriately with patients and family members incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.

Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. Possesses knowledge and demonstrates proficiency in the proper handling and pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment .

Demonstrates competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures.

Assists the teamlet and expanded Teams. Will serve as a surrogate LPN as needed. Participates in performance improvement initiatives and strives to elevate the practice standards in the clinic.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. Work hours are subject to change based on agency needs. 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 Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 544-5826F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.