Practical Nurse, Southwest Community Based Outpatient Clinic (SWCBOC)

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Southwest VA Clinic, a part of the Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS) in Phoenix, AZ.

For more information about Southwest CBOC: Southwest VA Clinic | VA Phoenix Health Care | Veterans Affairs **Recruitment/Relocation incentive may be offered** 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 written and spoken English. Licensure.

Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure 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.

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.

Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006.

Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website.

Exceptions include: 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.

VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C.

7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28,1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C.

7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.

Grade Determinations: GS-6 Experience: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

LPN must be technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing car to variable patient populations; Possess 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; Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs; Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures; Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations; Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations.

Preferred Experience: Primary Care experience preferred The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: This position may include a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by nurses such as walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting.

There may also be extended periods of sitting or standing. Transferring patients and objects may be required.

Utilization of safe patient handling and mobility protocols using mechanical lifts that are provided. Major Duties:

The LPN is assigned to a patient care area. The LPN observes and interviews patients and significant others to gather data for reporting and/or documentation according to policy and standards.

The LPN recognizes and reports to Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Health Care Provider (HCP) immediately signs and symptoms of emergencies such as evisceration, hemorrhage, shock, coma, seizure, and airway obstruction.

The LPN provides patient care and administers medications. The LPN is responsible for the storage, proper cleaning techniques, and use of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).

The LPN must be able to locate the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all RME in the clinical area.

The LPN is responsible for carrying out proper procedures for caring for patients in an isolation environment by following proper infection control procedures.

Duties include but are not limited to: Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient population.

Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patents' 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 and/or HCP 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 GS-6 recognized and considers emotional, 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 medication/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN and/or HCP.

Draws blood from patients assuring proper collection tubes are used and the correct number of tubes are drawn. Reviews electronic health record and labels all samples appropriately.

Prepares specimens for laboratory processing, storage and/or transport in accordance with facility and laboratory policies.

Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent and emergent patient care situation, seek assistance of the RN and/or HCP, 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.

Established constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills.

Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other inter/external customers.

Demonstrates knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patients, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing, and handling specialized instruments or other specialize equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during and following he procedure.

Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs, or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures.

Fosters and maintains an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery.

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

Uses the Computerized Patient Record System; attend classes as needed to maintain currency in computerized record documentation.

Communicates regularly with nurse managers, physicians, nursing supervisors, charge nurses, allied healthcare staff, healthcare technicians, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, and team members.

The LPN will assist the Physician, HCP, and/or RN with clinical procedures which include: pre/intra and post procedural care.

Work Schedule: 0630-1700 Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized