Practical Nurse

Summary The PACT Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of the Registered Nurse and/or physician with minimal supervision and is accountable to the Clinic Nurse Manager. He/she demonstrates self‑direction and critical thinking skills in carrying out simple to the most complex practical nursing care assignments for variable patient populations. He/she provides safe, timely and individualized nursing care to patients in the Outpatient Primary Care setting. Qualifications a Citizenship Citizen of the United States (Noncitizen may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.)b 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 (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.c Licensure Full‑active‑current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States – or District of Columbia 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: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN (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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS‑5. (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent. (b) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. (c) Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/HealthTechnicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. GS‑5. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes. GS‑5. 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. GS‑5. 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. GS‑5. 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. GS‑5. 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‑5. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies – promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. GS‑5. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. GS‑6. (a) 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. GS‑6. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. GS‑6. (c) Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients’ conditions. GS‑6. (d) Ability to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments. GS‑6. (e) Accuracy in recognizing, reporting and recording relevant patient information. GS‑6. (f) 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. GS‑6. (g) Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes – and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. GS‑6. (h) Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. GS‑6. (i) Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and other internal/external customers. GS‑6. (j) Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures – including 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 following the procedure. GS‑6. 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. GS‑6. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills – sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. References: VA Handbook 5005/3 – Part II – Appendix G13 Dated – April 2003 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6. Duties Major duties may include – but are not limited to: performs complex practical nursing skills with precision and efficiency consistent with Medical Center policy and procedure and within the legal and ethical responsibilities of his/her licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Demonstrates ability to use judgment to plan and organize assignments with minimal assistance and directions. Completes assignments and assists others as needed and demonstrates the ability to effectively manage patient flow to maintain timeliness of appointments. Capable of initiating appropriate actions based on his/her observations of the patient’s condition – seeks assistance from MD/PA/NP/RN when needed and intervenes as directed. Demonstrates the ability to recognize and initiate emergency measures (including psychiatric emergencies) and assists in resuscitation procedures during cardiac and respiratory arrest – reinforces instructions given by the MD/PA/NP/RN regarding medications, pre‑procedure instructions and reviews learning assessments (past initial assessment by the RN). Assists in care coordination and access for all ambulatory care through communication and placing consults per nursing protocols. Makes use of nursing protocols with attention to the individuality of patients, patient safety and evidence‑based practice. Performs specialized practical nursing activities requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of nursing problems. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular) and performs treatments according to established policies and procedures. Observes for changes in patient condition caused by medications, treatments and procedures. Work schedule: primary tour of duty is the day shift (8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday) – may include some extended hours, alternate tours and weekends. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. #J-18808-Ljbffr