Licensed Practical Nurse-Spinal Cord Injury

Summary The Licensed Practical Nurse delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies. The LPN demonstrates unit/department specific competencies and competency in caring for adult and geriatric residents. Patients receive care in ambulatory, acute, long‑term care, and psychiatric settings and may be treated for a variety of medical and psychological conditions. Qualifications 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) and 7407(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 or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed Exceptions: military service health‑care education or training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction where the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted. Current GS‑0620 LPN/LVN employees of the Veterans Health Administration converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C.7401(3) or 7405 are also eligible. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school are eligible. Licensure – Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia Grade Determinations: GS‑03 – none beyond the basic requirements GS‑04 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN or one year of experience in a supervised medical‑nursing‑patient care facility; or at least 24 months of approved schooling GS‑05 – Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑04 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 RN and/or MD/DO to train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and nursing assistants GS‑06 – Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑05 level or equivalent; fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS‑05 LPN/LVN; technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties; appropriate use of patient care materials and medication; robust knowledge of emergency procedures; effective communication with patients, families and staff Preferred Experience – Rehabilitation and/or Spinal Cord Injury Experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Physical Requirements: ability to lift, stand, sit, bend, walk, climb, reach overhead, pull, push, repetitive motion and stoop Mental/Sensory Requirements: recall, reasoning, problem solving, clear speaking, legible writing, keyboarding, reading, logical thinking, depth perception, hearing (aide permitted), near/far vision correctable to meet Driver's License requirements Environment may be steady or sometimes fast pace with multiple priorities and frequent customer interactions; noise tolerance may be required; personal protective equipment may be necessary to prevent exposure to disease or hazardous materials Duties Perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving veterans Conduct duties under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee; ensure basic technical competence and skill Practice good customer service in all work activities; maintain poise, articulate communication, and respectful demeanor with people of varied educational levels and ethnic backgrounds Show willingness to work cooperatively as a team member in all assignments Explain procedures to residents in understandable language and consider individual resident needs Maintain a physical and emotional environment consistent with the vision for resident‑centered care Maintain self‑control, respond consistently to the work situation, and keep a positive attitude, including willingness for temporary reassignment Provide emotional support to residents and families/significant others during health changes; establish constructive relationships, communication, and socialization skills Support hospice/palliative care needs as appropriate to residents’ self‑determination Carry out complex practical nursing assignments, including long‑term, short‑term rehabilitation, respite, hospice/palliative care, and psychiatric residents requiring skilled nursing care Prepare and administer prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, inhaled medications; controlled substances; intravenous piggybacks; continuous intravenous infusions; injectable medications and suppositories according to policy and procedure Perform a wide range of treatments and procedures, including heat and cold application, wound care, complex sterile and clean dressing changes, suppository administration, enemas, tube feedings, weights, vital signs, glucose finger sticks, specimen collection, intake and output, colostomy irrigation, oxygen, orthopedic traction, spirometry, nebulizer treatments, standard 12‑lead EKGs, and care of established tracheostomies and laryngectomies Work schedule: Day/Night 12‑hour shifts Benefits: Competitive salary with regular increases; 37‑50 days of annual paid time off (13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 federal holidays); possible credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service; parental leave of up to 12 weeks after 12 months; childcare subsidy up to 25% for eligible families; retirement through traditional federal pension and 401K; federal health, vision, dental, life, and long‑term care insurance; telework not available; position is not virtual Functional Statement #:21Q72A; Permanent Change of Station: Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr