Licensed Practical Nurse - Ambulatory Care

Summary This Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) position is located at the Cumberland County VA Clinic in Fayetteville, NC aligned under the Nursing - Ambulatory Care Service Line. The LPN/LVN provides safe and individualized nursing care to patients in the Ambulatory/Primary Care setting(s). Duties are performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or other Healthcare Provider (HCP). Qualifications Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency - Must be proficient in spoken and written English - in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3j. 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. Licensure - Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia. Physical Requirements - This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements - such as annual TB screening or testing - as a condition of employment. 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: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-03 - None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 - Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN. OR Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical-nursing or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures. OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-05 - 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. 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 regarding common disease processes, medications, and/or prescribed treatment regimes. 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. GS-06 - Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent - fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients’ conditions. Use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments. Accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. Ability to observe, identify, and respond to a patient’s needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient’s condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to 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. Knowledge and 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 and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient’s condition before, during, and after the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex-specialized tests/procedures. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills – sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: One year of LPN experience in Primary care, Med-surg, ER, or urgent Care. 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-3 to GS-6. Duties Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional – The primary purpose of the LPN is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran. The LPN performs the functions listed below under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or other Healthcare Provider (HCP). Demonstrates proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties while providing care to diverse patient populations. Maintains knowledge and ability to carry out patient care determined by the patient’s condition utilizing judgment in selecting appropriate orders, procedures, and treatments. and recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information to include urgent and emergent situations. Observes, identifies, and responds to patient needs for medication, medical equipment, and patient/family education while considering emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Maintains knowledge and skill 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. Establishes constructive and positive relationships with patients/families in order to promote open communication and socialization skills – taking into consideration human behavior, patient motivators, and reactions to situations. Respects patient/family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery by incorporating customer service standards into interactions. Maintains knowledge and skill for performing support duties during complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs, Nursing Assistants (NA's), and/or Health Technicians (HT's). Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge/skills and shares knowledge with peers to advance nursing practice. Provides appropriate information to patients and their families regarding the plan of care. Assists the patient and family in understanding and acceptance of the disease process and encourages participation in the plan for the care and rehabilitation of the patient. Identifies patient’s educational needs to include equipment, medication, treatment procedures, and diagnosis. Assists with teaching patient/family as appropriate. Demonstrates flexibility by willing and promptly accepting changes in work assignment and locations. Articulates the mission, vision, and values of the Department of Veteran Affairs that reflect positively on the VA to patients, staff, students, and visitors. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday – 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Compressed/Flexible: Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 1738FA. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay – a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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 the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). #J-18808-Ljbffr