PRACTICAL NURSE

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a practical nurse in one of several areas of a Medical Treatment Facility(MTF) such as a hospital clinic or ward, emergency room, or a similar location.

In order to qualify, you must meet the general experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Practical Nurse Series 0620 BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: LICENSURE: Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as practical or vocational nurses in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia or must have applied for a license to practice.

Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it.

Non-licensed candidates who have completed their training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period.

Those not licensed must furnish the date on which they applied for a license and the jurisdiction involved.

No person appointed pending licensure may be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure has not been attained.

EXPERIENCE: Qualifying experience includes 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, performing such duties as: Providing pre- and post-operative patient care.

Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients. Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients.

Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients.

Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus. For GS-5 and above: 1 year of nursing experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level is required.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of experience at the next lower grade GS-04, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of experience includes knowledge of the common elements of a patient care plan sufficient to provide appropriate verbal information and written facts for a plan of patient care; knowledge of standard nursing care procedures sufficient to catheterize, irrigate, suction, and provide chest care, e.g., deep breathing and coughing, to patients; knowledge sufficient to identify and use equipment, drugs, and supplies properly and to communicate proper use to nurse, medical staff, and family members; knowledge of standard medical terminology for the human body, physical and emotional reactions, nursing care, pharmacology, and contraindications to medications sufficient to provide and gather information in patient care conferences with nurses, physicians, patients, and family members.

(NOTE: This same experience must be well-described in the application/resume that you complete and submit in addition to answering this questionnaire.) You MUST submit a copy of your license.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-04 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-05 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of basic and commonly used medical equipment, supplies, and procedures sufficient to perform duties such astaking vital signs and taking samples.

Knowledge sufficient to gather and report patient information. Knowledge sufficient to prepare and administer commonly prescribed medications, and to recognize adverse medical reactionsin patients.

Knowledge sufficient to change sterile dressings and maintain the sterile condition of medical supply items.

Ability to respond to patient emergencies using resuscitative techniques and first aid procedures. Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

• Performs or assists in the performance of a number of specialized medical and minor surgical procedures. Administers prescribed medications. Performs emergency procedures. Conducts patient and family teaching.