Licensed Practical Nurse - Primary Care

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval: award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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: Citizen of the United States (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) 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 Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission – 61 Broadway – 33rd Floor – New York – NY 10006 Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website Exceptions include: Licensure: Full – active – current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State – Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. – Puerto Rico) of the United States – or District of Columbia An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had any license(s) revoked – suspended – denied – restricted – limited – or been placed on a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3 – section B – paragraph 16 of this part English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) – and 7407(d) Grade Determinations: GS‑3: None beyond the basic requirements GS‑4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below: 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‑5: Completion of at least 1 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 in relation to common disease processes – medication – 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 GS‑6: 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 To use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments And to 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 the 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 with patients – family members – and/or other internal/external customers 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 patients’ 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/procedures Preferred Experience: Experience in a fast‑paced ambulatory – primary care – or outpatient clinical setting Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing clinical workflows while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills with a commitment to providing Veteran‑centered care Ability to work collaboratively and professionally as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team Experience with patient intake, clinical reminders, immunizations, patient education, specimen collection, telephone communication, and other duties within the LPN scope of practice 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. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre‑placement examination. Duties Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional: The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) GS‑6 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 Performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee Assigned tasks require advanced technical competence and skill The LPN/LVN GS‑6 is expected to function at a fully successful level for all key elements at the GS‑5 grade The LPN/LVN GS‑6 is a full performance functional level for the LPN/LVN occupation for providing practical nursing care with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems The VA Western Colorado Health Care System (WCHCS) is a Level 3 facility with service-lines serving medical, surgical, neurological, and psychiatric inpatients and outpatients – with a Level III Emergency Department – multiple VA Clinics – and a Community Living Center (CLC) There is a significant outpatient psychiatric population – with admissions for medical co‑morbidities Home‑Based Primary Care (HBPC) and telehealth nursing care is also provided Home‑Based Primary Care is provided in the veteran’s home Work Schedule: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive Contact View email address on click.appcast.io – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Learn more 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 50564‑A – 50563‑A – 50562‑A – 50561‑A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr