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).

Grade Requirements.

Qualifying experience is successful nursing practice as an LPN/LVN, maintaining acceptable standards within a health care setting under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) and passed the State licensure examination on the first attempt.

To be creditable, practical nursing experience as an LPN or LVN must be documented on the application and verified in an employment reference or through other independent means.

Part-time experience is credited according to the relationship it bears to the full-time workweek (e.g., an LPN/LVN who worked 20 hours per week, i.e., half-time, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks).

In addition to the basic requirements the following qualification criteria must be met: Grade Determinations 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 full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 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 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 #: 570-2394