Practical Nurse

Full Job Description

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) 6 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 position is located in the FHCC DoD Clinics.

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

Education: See full educational requirements below. Licensure.

Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure (MUST PROVIDE A COPY) As a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.

An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.

Grade Determinations: The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

GS-6: (a) Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

(c) 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.

(d) 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 , socio-economic, and age-related factors.

(e) 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 5 from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.

(f) 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.

(g) 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.

(h) 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.

(i) 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.

(j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Physical Requirements: To perform in a fully successful manner, the individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), standing (< 1 hour), walking (<1 hour), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously and ability to distinguish colors.

A health examination must be successfully completed prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Occupational Health Clinic policy.

There will be intermittent exposure to blood and body fluids. Major Duties:

Duties include but are not limited to: Makes observations and thoroughly documents care in the electronic medical record (EMR) the patient's response.

Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations and effectively intervenes; will seek RN/provider assistance for those requiring higher-level intervention.

Effectively utilizes PACT huddle tools/resources in pre-visit scrubbing process Actively participates in daily huddle and team meetings Review schedule of the day Cover other areas as needed The LPN performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care including but not limited to: Vital signs Oxygen therapy Medication administration including immunizations Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts, as applicable Collects and labels specimens; sends specimens to lab Phlebotomy and specimen processing, as applicable.

EKG's Bladder scanner Women's Health care needs/ procedures (exam equipment/standby/privacy/specimen collection and processing) Provide virtual and telephonic care for patients via various platforms (Cerner message Center, VA Video Connect visits, Clinical Video Telehealth visits) Check expiration dates of medications and supplies; Cleans and stocks assigned rooms and reusable medical equipment (RME) Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy.

Accept delegation within scope of practice for tasks related to care coordination, procedures, and treatments Actively participates in the provision of care, promotion and education regarding Whole Health Initiatives Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e.

respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Respond to and/or take charge of Medical Emergencies on station until a provider is available. Call for local emergency support when appropriate.

Assists in the orientation and precepting of new staff members.

Use Evidence- Based Practice (EBP) to validate and/or change practice Initiate/actively participate in interdisciplinary opportunities to improve patient care.

Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned Veteran care based on the Veterans' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant Veteran information.

Completed work should need only a general review by a RN or Provider for appropriateness and conformity with established policies and procedures. Managing clinic workflow.

Ensuring patients are placed in rooms in a timely manner and providing direction to patients as they move through the clinic environment.

Assists and monitors the immunization staff with routine and timely completion of rosters, reports, sickle cell, G6PD and TST screens; identifies priority needs for patients with complex problems and reports findings to the nurse supervisor/provider.

Identifies priority needs for patients with complex problems and reports findings to the RN or Provider.

Demonstrates the 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 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.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 3:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.

Learn more 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.