Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) reports to the designated Nurse Manager and provides care in a Women's Health setting. The incumbent is responsible and accountable for the provision of patient care and for delivery of quality nursing care to a culturally diverse veteran patient population. Performs practical nursing duties with precision and efficiency, consistent with Medical Center Policy and within legal and ethical responsibilities of licensure as a LPN. 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 Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Health care education/training in the military service accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed is considered to meet this requirement. VHA employees converted to appointments under certain public laws may be eligible for educational waivers. See VA Qualification Standard for details. Licensure: Full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grandfathering Provision: Individuals may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation. This provision applies only to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria. If claiming grandfather status, ensure this is noted in your application and is addressed in the assessment questionnaire. 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-4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience in a clinical role; OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5: Completion of at least one 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. 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: Technically proficient in initiating, performing & completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge & ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient's conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order & sequence of procedures & treatments; & to accurately recognize, report & record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness & conformity with established policies/procedures. Ability to observe, identify, & respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment‑assisted care, & patient/family education. Prepare & administer prescribed medication (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous) & performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly & accurately documenting noted changes, & reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge & ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, & initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge & understanding of human behavior, patient motivations & reactions to situations, & ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, & other staff. Establish constructive relationships with individual patients & their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication, & socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient & family rights to privacy & dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge & understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, & or other internal/external customers. Knowledge & 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 & handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, & monitoring the patient's condition before, during, & following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, & training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. Actively seek out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge & skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve & advance nursing practice. Please ensure that your application and resume clearly demonstrate the level of experience and competency required for the grade to which you are applying. Preferred Experience: Three (3) years of Licensed Practical Nurse experience. Three (3) years of Primary Care and/or Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) experience. 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-4 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: This position requires walking, standing, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, and potential exposure to infectious patients and contaminated materials. Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity are essential. Must be able to work effectively under stressful situations and shift priorities based on patient needs. Annual employee health requirements (such as TB screening/testing) are required. #J-18808-Ljbffr