Practical Nurse

Summary The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) 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. 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 (See more information under "Education") Note: Education Exceptions listed in "Education" Section License: 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 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: GS-06 (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent – fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN AND knowledge – skills and abilities that must be clearly demonstrated in your resume: (b) Technically proficient in initiating – performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations (c) 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. (d) 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 – cultural – spiritual – socio-economic – and age-related factors (e) 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 (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 (g) 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 (h) 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 (i) 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 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/procedures (j) 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: 3 years of recent Clinical experience preferred in Primary Care, Med Surg, and Geriatric Nursing 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-06 to GS-06. Duties Manages patient care problems and deviations using self-direction in accordance with VA Nursing Practice and LPN licensure standards Assesses, records, and reports vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels Appropriately triages and prioritizes patient needs as routine, urgent, or emergent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/treatment as needed Checks patients into the clinic – interviews patient and/or significant other – and documents intake data as per policy Demonstrates knowledge, skill, and ability to promptly recognize and effectively intervene in potentially urgent or emergent situations Maintains and implements knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as scientific principles underlying nursing care and procedures Communicates calmly, courteously, and professionally with all patients, personnel, and visitors while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and Medical Center policies Collaborates with the PACT team and other interdisciplinary services in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care Enters orders in a timely and accurate manner within Expanded Scope of Practice and VA policy Schedule Work schedule: Monday—Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Alternate schedule: Monday—Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Work hours are subject to change based on agency needs Benefits Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; 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 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: Not Available; Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 60827F – Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr