Summary

The LPN functions as an effective member of the clinical team. Demonstrates sound techniques in complex nursing care procedures and basic care of the acutely ill and chronic patients in all areas of the SLVHCS to include In and Out-patient Mental Health - Primary & Specialty Clinics - Community Living Center and Med Surg. He or she takes all necessary precautions to avoid the spread of illness or disease when administering care to patients/residents.

Qualifications

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
• 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 Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160 - enacted November 21 - 1983 - or were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576 - enacted October 28 - 1986
• OR Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
• 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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• 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 - Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-04 if they meet any of the following criteria in addition to the basic requirements: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• or 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• LPNs at the GS-04 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-03 grade level
• however - they are expected to exercise greater judgment - require less supervision - and to operate in accordance with all established policies - procedure - and techniques
• GS-05 - Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• 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-06 - 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
• Technically proficient 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
• 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
• Ability to observe - identify - and respond to a 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Continued in Education Section

Duties

• Provide comfort measures and activities of daily living during clinic visits
• Perform the following procedures: takes digital photos - performs complex dressing changes - wound management - urostomy - ileostomy - and colostomy care - tracheal and nasopharyngeal suction - suprapubic catheter care - designated urological procedures - and specialized dermatological procedures
• Insertion of indwelling/intermittent catheters
• Collection of laboratory specimens (urine - blood - culture and sensitivity)
• Assist with specialized outpatient exams during gynecological - otolaryngeal and ophthalmology visits
• Perform tonometry and visual screening acuity measurements
• Maintain and determine an adequate supply of medications and supplies
• Perform clinical intake - preventive medicine screening - pain education and allergy screening and document adverse reactions
• Provide tracheotomy care including suctioning - cleaning - and change of inner cannula - cuff deflation - and dressing changes
• Assist with patient teaching - using approved guidelines
• Document on appropriate forms and/or in CPRS and refer veterans or caregiver to the social worker - dietician or other members of the team as requested or needed
• Determine subjective and objective symptoms that require referral to the RN or provider for intervention
• Assist the RN with the coordination of home care and post clinic visits - contacting outside agencies for reports or follow-up care at external facilities
• Communicate and document irregularities or variances in nursing policies/procedures and standards that require clinical intervention
• Interview family - patient or significant others re: patient illness or descriptions of illness and needs
• Demonstrate flexibility by working and supporting other clinics - or teamlets when providing routine care per clinical competencies with minimal guidance and assistance
• Assume responsibility for the security - and storage of drugs in accordance with The Joint Commission requirements
• Participate in the identification of patients at risk for physical restriction/rehabilitation - falls or addictive tendencies
• Support patients identified in early to terminal stages of multiple illnesses with understanding and encouragement and responds according to their individual needs
• Demonstrate skill required to resolve a range of nursing problems
• Knowledge of community resources and facility programs available to meet patient's referral needs
• Knowledge of and demonstrate use of specialized clinic equipment supplies that vary treatment modalities
• Verbalize knowledge of and demonstrate sufficient interviewing skills to elicit response from patients - identify physical needs - problems or emotional concerns that may interfere with the therapeutic treatment plan
• Perform work in VISTA and clinical reminder applications daily
• Complete EKG data entry Assist and participate in performance improvement projects - Administrative Investigation Boards (AIB) and other administrative assignments
• Perform venipuncture samples to obtain laboratory specimen and test using appropriate collection tubes for laboratory processing
• Occasionally processes laboratory specimen for transport according to established policies
• Conduct Preventive Health/Chronic Disease Management Clinical Reminder and Screening Activities appropriate to the clinical setting such as: Colorectal Fecal lmmunochemical Test (FIT) Cancer Screening education and order entry fecal occult blood (FOBT) - Hepatitis C Screening and requests for laboratory (lab) test
• Administer Vaccines according to directives and facility policy
• Complete request for Lipid Profile lab work
• Order urine microalbumin for diabetics
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
• 7:30am-4:00pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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) 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
• Functional Statement #: 00035F - 00036F - 00037F - 00038F