Licensed Pratical Nurse

Summary The Licensed Practical nurse provides a wide range of clinical services to the Veteran under the general supervision of a professional registered nurse. This position is under Ambulatory Care Service Outpatient Clinics. 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. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English 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 Exceptions include health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment or granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school and have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN 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 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 LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g. - medication administration) However completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-04 (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN or (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration GS-05: Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies GS-06: Proficiency 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 using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information; 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 and procedures Observes for, documents, and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications and treatments Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and the 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, 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 customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal and external customers Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures – which includes preparing the patient and assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient’s condition before, during, and following 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 and 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: 1 year ambulatory care. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06 Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019. Duties VA Careers – Licensed Practical Nurse. Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional. The duties of the Practical Nurse include, but are not limited to: Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient’s response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing the RN or medical provider of changes in the patient’s condition requiring higher‑level intervention. Performs assigned nursing care in the CBOCs (Community Based Outpatient Clinics) – including phlebotomy using aseptic venipuncture technique, preparation of blood samples for transport, oxygen therapy, EKGs, and delegated procedures and treatments. Checks expiration dates of laboratory supplies and ensures the laboratory is fully stocked for proper patient care and handling of specimens. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in the preparation and administration of medication. Assists with minor procedures – including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning the patient, and ensuring comfort and privacy. Responsible for patient and staff education, documentation, and assistance with workload capture basic to the completion of the Telehealth visit. Responsible for quality control procedures on Telehealth equipment and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports and workload reporting. Serves as a site imager for Telehealth store‑and‑forward applications and facilitator for real‑time clinical video Telehealth encounters (primary care and specialty care remote visits). Provides patient and family health education based on the patient’s goals – to include self‑management, prevention, and wellness. Completes mandatory reviews – including motivational interviewing – to promote patient self‑management toward an individualized life plan of care. Supports patient‑driven care in a safe, efficient, and cost‑effective manner using evidence‑based principles. Demonstrates initiative in assisting the PACT Teamlet and extended PACT team members. Assists in the orientation and competency validation of students, peers, and clerical staff. Adheres to principles of infection control – safety – universal precautions – fire and disaster drills – and security measures. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information and upholds a work environment that honors diversity. Serves as a resource and advocate in the protection of patient and family rights. Promotes patient and personnel safety. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 08:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. 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 401(k) 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); Telework: Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 11356F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr