Licensed Practical Nurse- Medical/Surgical Specialty

LPN, Primary Care

The LPN, Primary Care GS-7 is under the supervision of the Nurse Manager in the Medical/Surgical Specialty clinic in Nashville, TN, yet demonstrates independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision. The LPN GS-7 must demonstrate an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction in carrying out the most complex practical nursing care assignments within the Specialty Care Clinics for a Veteran population with a variety of health care needs. Exhibits independent technical judgment, critical thinking skills, and the use of independent judgment to carry out complex practices and procedures. Employees at the GS-7 grade level demonstrate broader skill with respect to these responsibilities. Demonstrates knowledge, experience, skill and self-motivation to carry out complex patient assignments, which include prioritization and coordination of clinical activities with minimal supervision. Specialty LPNs have independent duties within a team to ensure that the patients are receiving high quality care and have timely access to care. Collaborates with a Specialty team to provide complex/specialized patient-centered care to patients' ages, cultural backgrounds, education level, and any other special needs. The panel population is multi-faceted, including geriatric patients, patients from all war-time eras, female patients, and patients with complex psychiatric needs. Performs direct patient care activities, as appropriate to assignment, (includes, but is not limited to):

• Manages patient care problems and deviations using self direction in accordance with VA Nursing Practice and LPN licensure standards.
• Assesses, records, and reports vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels. Appropriately triages and prioritizes patient needs as routine, urgent, or emergent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/treatment as needed.
• Checks patients into the clinic, interviews patient and/or significant other, and documents intake data as per policy. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of VA protocols and VHA directives related to clinic management, documentation, and computer technology.
• Serves as a resource for complex/specialized procedures (i.e. suture removal, staple removal, wound care, blood draws, and clinic specific procedures, such as ear irrigation, performing EKGs, nebulizer treatments or assisting for set up of joint injections).
• Assists with diagnostic procedures that include preparing the patient, setting up sterile field and instrumentation, and monitoring the patient's condition.
• Collaborates with the Specialty team and other interdisciplinary services in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Exercises independent technical judgement and possesses a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles and science of practical nursing. Duties include following up on abnormal results with the provider and educating patients/families on disease management and anticipated plan of care.
• Serves in a leadership role within the Specialty team to promote holistic care and optimize clinic efficiency. Assists other staff to improve and advance their practical nursing practice as appropriate. Serves as a resource person and Super User for frequently used equipment in the clinic setting ( i.e. PYXIS, EKG and Car Lift) and utilizes appropriate protocol for equipment repair and maintenance. Functions as a role model for co-workers in guiding clinical practice. Coordinates clinical work assignments with the RN to ensure patient care needs are met. Assist in completing staff competencies on frequently used equipment.
• Functions as a team leader for other LPNs and non-licensed staff (as needed). Provides feedback to NM or designee including but not limited to observations of care provided by team members.
• Assists Nurse Manager with planning and organizing specialized unit projects e.g. Mobile flu clinic, injection clinic, and walk-in clinic.
• Other Duties as assigned

Preferred Experience: Experience in outpatient setting. Experience in dermatology. Minimum of 3 years nursing experience, Assisting with minor surgical procedures, experience with patient/family education related to pre-operative care.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (days) or based on the needs of the service

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).