Licensed Vocational Nurse

Full Job Description

The Licensed Vocational Nurse(LVN) is a member of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and Expanded Team involved in providing care to the patient and in developing the PACT plan.

The LVN is expected to demonstrate knowledge and ability to vary the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on patient's condition; to use judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines; and to accurately report and record significant patient information.

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. English Language Proficiency.

In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(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: 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, Granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/LVN.

OR, Individuals 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.

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).

In addition to the basic requirements the following qualification criteria must be met: Grade Determinations: GS-03 - None beyond the basic requirements.

LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license 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 and must meet all the following: 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/Health Technicians 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.

However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review.

GS-6: Completion of one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN AND 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 RN/MD/DO for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.

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, cultural, spiritual, 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.

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.

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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 and local LPN/LVN physical standards. Major Duties:

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties may also include, but not limited to: Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medications.

Demonstrates competency in completing health nurse procedures including EKGs, wound care, taking of vital signs, ear lavage, etc.

Demonstrates understanding of age and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Participates in PACT team huddles and meetings.

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

Provides patient, family and caregiver health education, to include self-management, prevention, and wellness. Interacts and communicates appropriately with patients and family members.

Participates within the PACT team secure messaging framework, typically as triage team member. Demonstrates professional behavior (e.g.

respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions.

Maintains a clean clinic environment and stocking assigned exam rooms daily. Possesses knowledge of 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.

Demonstrates initiative in assisting the Team. Assists in the orientation and competency validation of students, peers and clerical staff.

Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information. Serves as a resource and advocate in the protection of patient and family rights.

May act as health coach, including motivational interviewing, in order to promote patient self-management toward individualized life plan of care.

Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner, using evidence-based principles. Promotes patient and personnel safety.

Recognizes that all employees are responsible for performance improvement with the health care system. Understands the concept of national and VISN performance measures.

Understands special review process to the workplace in which are assigned (e.g. VORP, The Joint Commission, Environment of Care Rounds).

Promotes the spirit of performance improvement between members of the PACT team. Participates in performance improvement activities at the unit level as assigned.

This may include, but is not limited to project development, data gathering and/or data reporting. Uses performance improvement information to effect positive change at the unit level.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 2391A, 2392A, 2393A, 2394A