Practical Nurse

Summary The LPN is responsible for observing - recording - and reporting changes in the patient’s condition - both through in person care or through a virtual healthcare modality - as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan for life. The LPN is a member of the patient healthcare Teamlet. 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. 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 Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission – 61 Broadway – 33rd Floor – New York – NY 10006 Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC 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 An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had any license(s) revoked – suspended – denied – restricted – limited – or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3 – section B – paragraph 16 of this part 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: 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 in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below: 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 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-5. 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-6 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 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 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 5 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 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 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Duties VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties includes but are not limited to the following: Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient’s response Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient’s condition requiring higher-level intervention The LPN performs - reports and documents assigned nursing care in the Primary Care Clinics for both in person and virtual care modalities - including - but not limited to: Oxygen administration if applicable Adhere to the PACT Nursing Protocols within scope of practice Medication administration to include Immunizations Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated Check expiration dates of meds and supplies Delegated procedures and treatments Assists with minor procedures - including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment - positioning patient - ensuring comfort and privacy Promote whole health initiatives to include but not limited to- Tele-MOVE- Guided imagery Conduct chart audits as assigned Participates in performance improvement initiatives Facilitates Clinical Video Technology appointments Check in and Check out Veterans on daily basis Collaborates with PACT team review future appointments Participates in daily huddles Secure Messaging with appropriate response and recommendation within scope Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor - can be Assistant Nurse Manager or Nurse Manager Adheres to standards of practice and safe techniques in preparation and administration of medication Demonstrates understanding of age-and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations - seeks assistance - and effectively intervenes as directed when appropriate All other duties as assigned Work Schedule: 7am-7:30p 7pm-7:30am Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade) 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior work experience or military service experience 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 #: 58256F -58257F - 60528F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc.