Licensed Practical Nurse-Primary Care

Full Job Description

The Licensed Practical Nurse delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies.

The LPN demonstrates unit/department specific competencies, and competency in caring for adult Patients.

Patients receiving care in the acute care settings, and are being treated for any number of medical conditions.

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. English Language Proficiency.

In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

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.

Exceptions include: 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.

OR Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C.

7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986.

OR Individual granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.

Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, 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-03 - None beyond the basic requirements.

LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.

GS-04 - Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work 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; OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-05 - Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.

Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery.

Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes.

Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.

Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures.

Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO.

Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.

Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures.

GS-06 - 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.

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 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.

Ability to observe, identify, and respond to a 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Preferred Experience: Primary Care Experience Preferred Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of this position include lifting, prolonged standing and sitting, frequent bending, walking (distance), climbing, reaching (overhead, extensive/repetitive), pulling, pushing, repetitive motion and stooping.

The mental/sensory requirements include recall, reasoning, problem-solving, hearing, speaking clearly, writing legibly, keyboarding, reading and logical thinking, depth perception, hearing (aide permitted); near/far vision correctable to meet Driver's License requirements.

The environment's pace can vary from steady to a sometimes-fast pace requiring handling of multiple priorities, frequent, sometimes intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes-noisy environment.

There may be the need to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to disease, illness and hazardous materials.

Work requires extensive walking, standing, stretching and bending in caring for patients. Major Duties:

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License 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 quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran.

The LPN/LVN is considered a novice and performs within this functional statement under close supervision of the Nurse Manager or designee. Assigned tasks require basic technical competence and skill.

The LPN/LVN practices good customer service in all work activities. Must be poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational levels and varied ethnic backgrounds.

Makes caring for the veteran his/her priority while in the work setting and demonstrates customer service principles in all aspects of work.

The incumbent is willing to work cooperatively as a member of a team in all assignments Duties include: Recognizes and quickly responds to emergency situations and makes appropriate and timely interventions.

Observes and reports on patient's status and records objective and subjective data in the patient's record.

Demonstrates the ability to observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for nursing, medication and equipment assisted care and to recognize deviations from normal.

Actively contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the patient's treatment plan and promotes patient participation by fostering self-reliance and independence.

Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures which may include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and passing instruments and monitoring the patient's condition.

Performs support duties as assigned Communicates and identifies anticipated patient care problems or problems which may impede the patient care.

Identifies and contributes to the learning and cultural needs of patients which may be influenced by differences in social, religious customs and dietary habits.

LPN assigned to primary care setting will perform duties which may include but are not limited to: Performs diagnostic test such as 12 lead EKGs.

Accurately monitors, reports and records vital signs, i e temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weights, major pulse point, peripheral circulatory checks, and neurological checks.

Set's up and assists provider with women's health procedures Performs glucometer testing, Performs urine collection and point of care pregnancy testing Performs measurement for compression stockings Identify and report abnormal results to RN/Provider Scheduling appointments Check in and check out patients Validated Annually for Competency in the Handling and Care of RME Other tasks as assigned as part of PRIMARY CARE Clinics Functions as a chaperone and assists with women's health procedures as assigned.

Promotes and reinforces health education which is consistent with the treatment plan to the patient and the family. Considers age specific needs of client when providing patient care and or education.

Assumes accountability for the quality of nursing care by adhering to medical center administrative, personnel and clinical policies. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am -4:30pm.

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized