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. 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 and 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, GS-4, GS-5, GS-6, each with corresponding experience and qualification requirements. 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 appropriately with patients, family members, and other supportive personnel involved in patient care, incorporating customer‑service standards into practice. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken with commonly prescribed medications. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and reporting of any noted change in condition to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seeking assistance from RN or MD/DO and assisting 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. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patients' conditions. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes and 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 and family members. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for complex specialized tests/procedures. Duties Observes 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. Performs, reports, and documents assigned nursing care in the Primary Care Clinics for both in person and virtual care modalities, including: oxygen administration if applicable, adhering to the PACT Nursing Protocols within scope of practice. Administers medication, including immunizations. Provides clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated. Checks expiration dates of medications and supplies. Assists with delegated procedures and treatments, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Promotes whole‑health initiatives including Tele‑MOVE and guided imagery. Conducts chart audits as assigned. Participates in performance improvement initiatives. Facilitates Clinical Video Technology appointments. Checks in and checks out Veterans on a daily basis. Collaborates with PACT team to review future appointments. Participates in daily huddles. Securely messages with appropriate response and recommendation within scope. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor (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. Additional Information Work Schedule: 7am‑7:30p / 7pm‑7:30am. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; higher step rate may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications. 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 a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contribution 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. Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. #J-18808-Ljbffr