Vocational Nurse (Specialty)

Full Job Description

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides direct patient care, supporting complex diagnostic procedures and managing patients with chronic and acute conditions.

The LVN demonstrates clinical proficiency, prioritizes tasks, and ensures compliance with safety protocols.

Responsibilities include administering medications, assisting in patient education, and maintaining accurate documentation.

The LVN works under the supervision of an RN within the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

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 accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

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.

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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN.

Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade.

The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-03 None beyond the basic requirements.

LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.

GS-04 (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-05 Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.

Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care.

Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications.

This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition.

Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest.

Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.

GS-06 Proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions, using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information.

Ability to observe, identify, and response to a patient's needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education.

Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures.

Observes for, documents, and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments.

Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed.

Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members and other staff.

Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which includes preparing the patient and 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.

Preferred Experience: Current Basic Life Support provider card required. Ambulatory care clinic experience preferred. Specialty clinic experience preferred. Major Duties:

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Provides direct patient care, including administering medications, performing treatments, and assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures.

Monitors and reports subtle changes in patient condition, taking appropriate action based on clinical judgment.

Assists with complex diagnostic procedures, including preparing patients, handling specialized equipment, and monitoring patient status throughout.

Demonstrates proficiency in managing care for patients with chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary conditions) and acute episodes of illness.

Utilizes Systems Redesign principles to improve workflow efficiency and patient care outcomes.

Follows safety protocols such as the "time out" process before procedures and uses two patient identifiers for treatments or specimen collection.

Provides patient and family education on health management, prevention, and wellness based on individual goals.

Ensures accurate documentation in the medical record using CPRS/GUI, BCMA, and VISTA systems.

Adheres to infection control practices, including hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Assists with the setup, use, and disinfection of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as trained.

Participates in quality improvement initiatives and research activities under the direction of an RN when assigned.

Acts as a preceptor for less experienced LVNs or Nursing Assistants (NAs), providing training on complex procedures.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday: 08:00 A.M- 04:30 P.M Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 640-07548-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required