Summary The LPN completes assigned duties and responsibilities that involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities requiring broad nursing knowledge, experience, and skills to address a wide range of care needs. Responsibilities VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Manages patient care problems and deviations using self-direction in accordance with VA Nursing Practice and LPN licensure standards. Assesses, records, and reports vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels. Appropriately triages and prioritizes patient needs as routine, urgent, or emergent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/treatment as needed. Checks patients into the clinic, interviews patient and/or significant other, and documents intake data as per policy. Performs telehealth services, store and forward, clinical video teleconference, video connect, tele performance such as tele-retinal screening, tele-dermatology, tele-wound care and other telehealth services as identified, and referred providers. Serves as a Tele-presenter coordinates Telehealth services and is part of the clinic team. Available for all telehealth meetings and visits. Performs phlebotomy procedures following a sequence of steps approved for sample collection. Independently responsible for selecting the best venipuncture site, most suitable phlebotomy equipment (needle @type, size and length), most appropriate cleansing agent(s), proper collection vials and assessing the patient's condition before, during and after the procedure. Follows the Laboratory procedures for collecting specimens in the appropriate container, maintains specimen under appropriate conditions, follows guidelines for collecting timed specimens at the appropriate times to insure specimen viability. Demonstrates knowledge, skill, and ability to promptly recognize and effectively intervene in potentially urgent or emergent situations. Maintains and implements knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as scientific principles underlying nursing care and procedures. Serves as a resource for complex/specialized procedures (i.e. non-complex suture removal, non-complex wound care, blood draws, and clinic specific procedures, such as ear irrigation). Demonstrates knowledge of standard precautions, medical asepsis, and sterile technique with the ability to correctly apply these principles and techniques and assist others with implementation in the clinic setting. Demonstrates the knowledge and skill to interpret common test results and other medical data. Takes an active role in health promotion and disease prevention to improve patient outcomes. Teaches patients and families principles of health, self-care, and treatments related to wellness and health promotion. Communicates calmly, courteously, and professionally with all patients, personnel, and visitors while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and Medical Center policies. Collaborates with the PACT team and other interdisciplinary services in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Serves in a leadership role within the PACT team to promote holistic care and optimize clinic efficiency. Active participant in quality improvement projects/hospital committees to promote evidence-based practice and performance improvement in the clinic setting. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Demonstrates knowledge of medical equipment and supplies with advanced skill to set up and/or operate specialized equipment. Assists in coordination of care during and after the transition of a patient from inpatient to outpatient and vice versa. Performs Clinical Pertinence reviews to ensure compliance with nursing practice standards related to nursing clinical reminders. Uses self-direction is assessment of scheduled and walk-in patients and identifies potential clinical problems or deviations from normal. Uses sound judgment to determine and initiate action as appropriate. Enters orders in a timely and accurate manner within Expanded Scope of Practice and VA policy. Initiate consults per PACT/Expanded Scope of Practice, such as Home Tele-Health, audiology, optometry/ophthalmology, prosthetics, patient education, Home Based Primary Care, etc. Collaborates with PACT team to identify and proactively manage high-risk patients through frequent telephone contacts and/or face-to-face visits using the nurse health maintenance clinic. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications 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. 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. 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: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. GS-3: 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-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: 1. Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or 2. Graduation from an approved school 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 3. Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5: 1. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. 2. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. 3. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. 4. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO. 5. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. 6. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. 7. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. GS-6: 1. 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. 2. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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 medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G-13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard dated April 10, 2003. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 and local LPN physical standards. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
