Licensed Vocational Nurse SCI Home Care

Spinal Cord Injury Home Care

The Spinal Cord Injury Home Care duties include: This position requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a complex healthcare system that encompasses a variety of Inpatient and Outpatient services to Veterans. Obtains/collects specimens as ordered. Provides direct patient care and support for the patient. Recognizes changes in patient's condition and deviations from baseline that require immediate intervention. Responds to emergent patient conditions in a safe and effective manner, i.e., effectively recognizes life- threatening situations and takes immediate action. Executes interventions in accordance with treatment plans. Completes CPRS documentation and signs all patient related activity while following documentation timelines and protocols (i.e., within tour of duty, closing encounters per policy). Documentation is factual, objective, accurate, consistent, timely, and complete in electronic medical record. Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Provides timely patient follow-up. Assists with coordinating care of patient. Provide patient education related to managing risk factors, medications, procedures, and other medical regimens related to disease process/specialty clinic, within scope of practice. Adheres to ethical principles and standards in delivering care. Collaborates and communicates effectively with the Interdisciplinary Care Team regarding patient care. Demonstrate mandatory and clinical competencies of the position. Educates patients on provided discharge instructions related to their disease process, ensuring the patient can ask questions. Recognizes changes in patient's condition and deviations from baseline that require immediate intervention. Apply infection control measures appropriately in delivering care. Alerts providers (physicians/nurse practitioners) of abnormal signs and symptoms and/or abnormal test results to expedite care. Participates in coaching and mentoring of colleagues or new employees. Participates in daily DMS huddles and unit specific staff meetings. Provides in-services related to team building or specialty care as needed. Evaluates and documents patient response to interventions and progress towards attainment of goals and expected outcomes. Seeks opportunity for self-improvement. Participates in continuous performance improvements. Performs bedside Point of Care testing, to include nasal swabs. Recognizes potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, and able to rapidly call a "Rapid Response Treatment (RRT)" or "Code Blue" emergency. The LVN/LPN must be able to recognize changes in a patient's condition, such as shortness of breath, changes in skin condition (i.e., diaphoresis, flushness), tachycardia, or sudden loss of consciousness. Knowledge of external regulatory standards relevant to the scope and protocols of the position, such as the Joint Commission to meet accreditation standards and the mission and goals of VASDHS. Demonstrate ability to be self-directed in clinical practice and works to the maximum of licensure scope. Actively participates in interdisciplinary committees, task forces or other groups to improve organizational performance through collaboration with other health care providers across service lines for the betterment of the patient. Performs venipuncture and specimen collection per provider order including blood, urine, sputum, and nasal swabs. Reports abnormal lab values. Assists patients in transitioning from the medical center to the community. Maintains knowledge of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and The Joint Commission (TJC) standards to support accreditation, patient safety, and the mission and goals of VASDHS. Actively participates and assists coordinating Home Care Committee meetings. May function as a presenter during Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) home visit encounters and is responsible for preparing the clinical environment, including medical and telecommunications equipment to be used for clinical examination and treatment, providing hands on assistance, and reporting clinical examination and treatment, providing hands on assistance, and reporting clinical observations under the direction of a licensed independent practitioner or clinical specialist, establishing, and maintaining video conferencing connections and making introductions between the Veteran and provider sites. Completes medication review and fills medication organizes in home. Completes specializing training for toenail trimming in the home. Incorporates into the nursing plan of care when clinically appropriate. Serves as a resource for interdisciplinary team members. Routinely drives to Veterans homes. Maintains requirements to operate government vehicle. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: M- F, 0730-1600

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs