Licensed Practical Nurse - Podiatry

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Duties

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) consistently demonstrates technical judgment semi-independently with global supervision by the Chief of Podiatry, Wilmington VA Health System. The GS-7 LPN/Nail Care Technician possesses the knowledge and skills to complete complex nail and foot care, patient triage, and provider support in a thorough and comprehensive manner. This responsibility includes delivery of patient care congruent with objectives and policies of podiatric nail care; knowledge of, and consistent demonstrated competence in principles of basic and intermediary nursing practice; and adherence to policies, protocols, and rules/regulations of the Wilmington VA Health System. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Triages patients at the beginning of each Podiatrist clinic. Triage consists of monitoring Blood Pressure, Temperature, Pulse, BMI, Respiration, etc.
• Assist the Podiatrist in delivery of quality care and treatment of each Veteran patient.
• Assist the Podiatrist with performance of Special Procedures.
• Retrieves instruments and supplies from the Clean Supply Room to be placed in treatment rooms according to Provider needs.
• Responds to and returns messages for all patient inquiries to the Podiatry Department.
• Operates Nail Clinic semi-independently each week. (Each LPN/Nail Technician must proficiently complete a VA Nail Care Technician Certification Course).
• Regularly monitors inventory and communicates supply needs to Chief of Podiatry.
• Ensures that podiatry treatment rooms hygiene protocol are enforced.
• Provides Wellness Check calls to patients in between visits.
• Provides education to patients about proper foot care and reviews Provider instructions with each patient.
• Accurately enters Nail Care Treatment Note in Electronic Health Record.
• Proactively assists Podiatrist in addressing patient's needs for medications and treatments.
• Performs wound cleansing, dressing changes, and educates patients of proper use of complex wound dressing such as calcium alginate and other gels, creams, wound cleansers or antiseptics.
• Recognizes potential urgent/ emergent patient care situations and takes appropriate actions, and effectively communicates their observations with the Provider and/or Chief of Podiatry.
• Notifies Podiatrist (to whom they are assigned) and the Chief of Podiatry of any significant changes in skin and/or wounds that may require a higher level of care.
• Recognizes subtle physical changes in patients as evident by changes in skin integrity, nail new onset or changes in neuropathic or vascular conditions.
• Debrides and shapes the toenails using mycotic nippers and/or nail sander.
• Performs post-operative dressing changes/ cast changes/ DME changes for patient in certain circumstances semi-independently.
• Works with pedorthotist in fitting of durable medical devices (diabetic shoes, orthotics, CAM walkers, Ankle Braces, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 460-07168F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized