Practical Nurse-Specialty Medicine-Oncology Clinic

Full Job Description

This is an external job announcement.

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), GS-7 grade level performs complex nursing care for Veterans and serves as a leader, mentor, and preceptor within the Specialty Medicine Clinic setting as established by each VA Healthcare facility.

The LPN possess comprehensive advanced practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices, which includes prioritization and coordination of clinical activities.

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: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States.

Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), previously known as 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), previously known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006.

Additional information may also be obtained from the ACEN Website. 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.

English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements (Handbook 5005, part II, Appendix G13) for employment, the following criteria must be met.

GS-07 The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility.

To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment.

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

(b) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings.

Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions.

Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans.

(c) Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery.

Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan.

Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention.

At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment.

They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations.

(d) Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received.

(This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions.

Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels.

(e) Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery.

At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate.

(f) Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes.

Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions.

This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision.

(g) Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in developing educational materials/media.

Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice.

(h) Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care.

Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas.

(i) Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery.

Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO.

In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level, the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff.

(j) Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision.

Individuals in these positions are, to a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing.

The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision.

(k) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice.

Preferred Experience: 1-2 Years Oncology experience preferred Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD.

Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

This position requires the nurse to read printed material and distinguish colors, such as reading doctor's orders and visualizing the hue of a patient's skin, wounds, etc., and conduct visual inspections during patient assessment, including the ability to accurately perceive depth so as to move around workspace safely and to appropriately make contact with Veterans.

Major Duties:

The GS-7 LPN/LVN can serve as a responsible member of the Specialty Medicine Oncology department and are responsible for goals and interventions that promote veterans in attaining maximum functional potential.

Demonstrates integration of concepts, cognitive skills, and technically competent practice in providing care to patients with basic or complex needs.

S/he is an advanced LPN who demonstrates critical thinking skills basic/fundamental experience with situations in which they are ultimately expected to perform.

The LPN GS-7 has full knowledge of Oncology policies and procedures and a basic knowledge of human anatomy to prepare and care for patients in the clinical area.

Duties include but are not limited to: The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works in the Oncology Clinic.

The LPN is responsible for observing, recording, reporting, changes in the patient's condition, as well as providing input into revision of plan and care based upon data collected and identified patient/family needs.

The LPN requires a general review of their work by the Specialty Nurse Manager for appropriateness and conformity with license, policies, and procedures.

The LPN demonstrates active collaboration and communication with clinic staff, the patient's family/care giver, internal and community-based services and disciplines involved in providing care to patients.

Assists other staff in order to prioritize the overall veteran care needs and adjusts the plan of care as needed.

Has astute ability to gather data, which allow for observation of obvious and subtle changes in the veteran health condition.

Responds diligently to the veteran changes and deteriorating condition in emergent situations, notifying appropriate healthcare personnel in a timely manner.

6) Performs venipuncture for blood draws and peripheral IV insertions. Monitors and adjust rates of IV fluids. Can float to the lab to aid in blood draw rooms as staffing allows.

Trained and proficient in the Lab ordering system for collection and submission of specimens.

Administration of colony stimulating factors (darbepoetin, epoetin, filgrastim/pegfilgrastim, romiplostim) Eligard/Lupron, B12, vaccines Assist in Bone Marrow Biopsies.

(Check orders, Time Out process, Specimen collection and labeling, Transport to lab) Administration of immunizations following treatments Demonstrates the ability to work independently with minimal need for readily available supervision and communicates effectively with the veteran, families, caregivers, professionals, and other supportive staff.

Provides and documents SBAR to appropriate RN and transfer of patient care as needed. Takes appropriate actions based upon communications, observations, veteran care reports, provider/staff discussion.

Reports changes to provider, demonstrates the knowledge and ability to effectively intervene and recommend and implement strategies that assure optimal, safe, and effective care.

Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur.

This plan of care is completed with general review and co-signature by the RN or MD, utilizing a broad knowledge base and expertise in order to develop and modify treatment plans to meet the veteran and the family's expectations.

Familiarizes self with how work activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources.

Shall be a good steward of the environment by preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and continually improving environmental programs. Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the VA system.

Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN), and/or Health Care Provider (HCP).

The LPN will adhere to all current directives of the VA and meet current Joint Commission standards, and VA-OIG expectations.

The LPN performs cleaning and stocking of the clinical rooms, procedure carts and performs monthly outdate monitoring.

Performs weekly eye wash station checks The LPN GS-7 is fully knowledgeable and competent in the use of software programs, including Cerner/EHR.

In doing this, will be able to carry out care and follow guidelines, requirements, and documentation for the Oncology Clinic.

The LPN attends all meetings, trainings/in-services/education required to maintain proficiency in the Oncology Department.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 91568-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized