Licensed Practical Nurse - Podiatry Clinic - Surgery Services

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) - GS-7 performs more complex nursing assignments within their setting. The LPN possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices. The LPN/LVN GS-7 work is of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Individuals in these positions are to a considerable extent - expected to exercise independent technical judgments.

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
• 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)
• The GS-7 grade level is for select - complex LPN/LVN positions - as established by each health care facility
• To be advanced - employees must meet all of the following standards - provided the standard is part of their assignment
• NOTE: Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit
• Although these positions are under the supervision of an RN and/or MD/DO - employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) - as well as a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures
• Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of patients
• Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent - fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN
• Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties - including assignments in selected - more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings
• Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions
• Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans
• Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery
• Makes astute observations of subtle - less obvious changes - both physical and emotional - in patient's condition - and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention
• At this grade level - the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing - and - as appropriate - modifying patient care treatment
• They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations
• Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments - accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received
• (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions - promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate - prescribed interventions
• Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels
• Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations - seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene - as directed - to assure the continuation of optimal - safe and therapeutic patient care delivery
• At this grade level - the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate
• Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes
• Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control - resistant or abusive behaviors - or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions
• This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision
• Exhibits skill - creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces - research projects or in developing educational materials/media
• Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice
• Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures- and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care
• Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology - effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas
• Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery
• Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO
• In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level - the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff
• Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision
• Individuals in these positions are - to a considerable extent - expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles - art and science of practical nursing
• The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general superv1s10n
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills - and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice
• For more information on this qualification standard - please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• Physical Requirements: This position includes a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by nurses such as direct patient care - and potentially long periods of walking - standing - sitting - moderate lifting - repeated bending - or kneeling
• See VA Handbook 5019 and local LPN/LVN physical standards
• Examples may include but are not limited to: - Significant amounts of time standing assisting assigned patients - Utilization of safe patient handling and mobility protocols Position specific duties/expectations are detailed in the associated competency and should be performed once the competency has been validated.

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional ***Preferred Experience: 1-2 years Podiatry Experience*** Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties but not limited to: The GS-7 LPN/LVN is responsible for goals and interventions that promote veterans in attaining maximum functional potential
• This is accomplished through but not limited to modalities such as ambulation - bowel and bladder training - dressing - grooming - bathing - oral hygiene - range of motion exercises and fall prevention modalities
• The Surgery Clinic GS-7 LPN can serve as a responsible member of the Surgery Service Department team and interact with patients - family members - professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care and with members of other services
• The Surgery Clinic LPN GS-7 is expected to have a thorough understanding of Surgery Services policies and procedures - as well as sound nursing practice foundation with excellent critical thinking skills to prepare and care for patients in the Surgery Service Clinics
• The Surgery Services GS-7 LPN may be assigned to multiple areas within Chalmers P
• Wyle Ambulatory Care Center and supporting CBOCs
• Possesses the knowledge and skills to carry out more specialized patient care activities
• This knowledge base includes the use of veteran care data to initiate active contributions to the veteran's overall health plan
• Observations of veteran's present status are made and interventions implemented to improve - restore or maintain the optimal function of the veteran
• Has knowledge of program regulations and is able to carry out objectives of the Nursing program
• In doing this - follows the guidelines to meet and maintain program requirements
• Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur
• This plan of care is completed with general review and co-signature by the RN or MD - utilizing a broad knowledge base and expertise to develop and modify treatment plans to meet the veteran and the family's expectations
• Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the Medical Center
• Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN) - and or Health Care Provider (HCP)
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - Intramuscular - and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures
• The LPN/LVN observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's health condition - which may include prescribed medications/treatments - to promptly and accurately documenting identified changes - and reporting any deviations from normal to RN/HCP
• Takes appropriate actions based upon communications - observations - veteran care reports - provider/staff discussion
• Reports changes to provider and demonstrates the knowledge and ability to effectively intervene and recommend and implement strategies that assure optimal - safe and effective care
• Assists other staff to prioritize the overall veteran care needs and adjusts the plan of care as needed
• Has astute assessment skills - which allow for observation of obvious and subtle changes in the veteran health condition
• Responds diligently to the veteran changes and deteriorating condition in emergent situations - notifying appropriate personnel in a timely manner
• Accurately and consistently reports and records significant veteran information received from other team members and can analyze and implement modifications based on these reports
• This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments
• Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday
• 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
• 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) Telework: As determined by the agency policy
• Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 93078A - Licensed Practical Nurse - Podiatry Clinic - Surgery Services/12975430
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized.

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.

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