Licensed Vocational Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

Full Job Description

The Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System is seeking a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) for Inpatient Mental Health (2S) within the Nursing, Mental Health Department.

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: United States Citizenship English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

Education or Training: Must be a graduate of a practical or vocational nursing program approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing at the time the program was completed by the applicant, or have you completed Health care education in the military service or training in the military service.

Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Experience: At least (6) six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.

OR Graduation from an approved school and have (1) 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-5 Experience: Completion of at least one year at the GS-4 level or equivalent of qualifying experience as an LPN and can demonstrate 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 (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.

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

GS-6 Experience: Completion of at least one year at the GS 5 level or equivalent of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS 5 LPN and am technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

Completed work needs only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (ND/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.

Preferred Experience: 2 years of psychiatric nursing 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-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting (15-44 lbs.); Light Carrying (Under 15 lbs.); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking (3 hours); Standing (3 hours); Kneeling (1 hour). Major Duties:

Duties include but are not limited to: Provide age-specific nursing care tailored to meet individual patient needs.

Adapt nursing interventions based on patient condition, preferences, and response to treatment. Identify and respond appropriately to emergency situations, including initiating CPR when necessary.

Educate patients and families on health conditions, treatments, and care plans while reinforcing RN-led education. Follow established nursing procedures and standards of care in clinical practice.

Utilize sound judgment when planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. Contribute to the development and evaluation of individualized patient care plans.

Independently plan, organize, and prioritize nursing assignments efficiently. Administer medications according to policies and document their administration accurately.

Recognize medication side effects and report concerns promptly to the Registered Nurse. Monitor and document patient responses to medications, including IV infusions.

Record and report changes in patient condition, vital signs, and pain levels to the RN. Maintain a clean, safe, and hazard-free environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Comply with safety regulations, utilize protective equipment properly, and report safety concerns. Participate in mandatory training, safety drills, and emergency preparedness activities.

Involves regular and recurring exposure to infection and transmittal diseases.

Risks and discomfort associated with confused, disoriented patients and/or patients with psychiatric disorders/history Nursing care preformed comprises a segment of nursing care and contributes to the delivery of health care and the recover of the patient.

Work Schedule: Night Shift, 7:30pm - 8:00am, Rotating Weekends and Holidays Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized