Licensed Practical Nurse - Primary Care

Summary The LPN - Primary Care GS-7 position is located at the Chattanooga Outpatient Clinic in Chattanooga, TN. Qualifications United States citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc (ACEN) at the time the program was completed. Condition of employment as licensure. Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia. Applicants with any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in a probation status may be appointed only in accordance with regulations issued by the Under Secretary for Health or designee. Proficiency in spoken and written English (required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d)). The GS-7 grade level is for selected, complex LPN/LVN positions as established by each health-care facility. To advance, employees must meet all required standards, including a minimum of 3 years as an LPN and at least 1 year of experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent. Knowledge and skills necessary for specialized patient-care duties in complex inpatient and/or outpatient settings. Ability to identify subtle physical and emotional changes in patients, document care, and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Proactive assistance to RN/MD/DO for medication administration and other interventions. Capacity to recognize urgent or emergent patient-care situations and seek assistance appropriately. Contribution to patient education and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Skill in communicating with challenging patients and families, including those exhibiting resistant or abusive behaviors. Initiative in improving overall care delivery through participation in committees, task forces, research projects, or educational material development. Adherence to established customer service standards. Duties The LPN – Primary Care GS-7 reports to the Nurse Manager and performs complex practical nursing duties in a primary care clinic for a Veteran population. Demonstrates independent technical judgment and self-direction in carrying out complex nursing tasks within the primary care setting. Collaborates with the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) to ensure high-quality, timely care for all patients. Performs direct patient care activities, including assessment, documentation, and education. Manages patient care problems using VA nursing practice standards and LPN licensure requirements. Records vital signs, neurological status, weight, and blood glucose levels. Triages and prioritizes patient needs from routine to emergent and modifies care plans as necessary. Documents intake data and checks patients into the clinic. Maintains comprehensive knowledge of VA protocols, directives, documentation, and computer technology. Serves as a resource for complex procedures such as suture removal, staple removal, wound care, blood draws, and other clinic-specific tasks. Assists with diagnostic procedures, including preparing the patient and setting up sterile equipment. Collaborates with the PACT team and other interdisciplinary services in care planning. Follows up on abnormal results with the provider and educates patients/families on disease management. Provides leadership within the PACT team to promote holistic care and enhance clinic efficiency. Supports training and competency development for staff. Acts as a role model for clinical practice and team engagement. Coordinates assignment with the RN to meet patient care needs. Provides feedback to the Nurse Manager or designee regarding team performance. Assists the Nurse Manager with planning and organizing specialized unit projects, such as mobile flu clinics and walk-in clinics. Preferred Experience Previous primary care experience is preferred. Schedule Monday-Friday (days) or as required to meet service requirements. Travel to cover clinics may be required. Benefits Competitive salary with regular salary increases; potential for a higher step rate based on qualifications. No relocation assistance provided. #J-18808-Ljbffr