Licensed Practical Nurse

Summary The Kansas City VA Healthcare Network is recruiting a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for Nursing Acute Care assigned to Inpatient Telemetry Services. The primary purpose of the LPN is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service, and a supportive environment committed to serving Veterans. 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. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing (NLNAC). Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC website. Exceptions include: (1) Health care education in the military service or training in the military service accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed; (2) VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405; (3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth or District of Columbia. An LPN/LVN who has had any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, candidates must meet the following qualification criteria for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. 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.

• 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, including using judgment to select the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• d) Ability to observe, identify, and respond to the patient's needs for care—including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education.
• e) Knowledge and ability to prepare and administer prescribed medications and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures.
• f) Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance from the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• g) Knowledge and understanding of human behavior and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge with patients, family members, and other staff.
• h) Establish constructive relationships with individuals, families, and staff to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills.
• i) Serve as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for more complex or specialized procedures.
• j) Actively seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Preferred Experience: One year of inpatient hospital experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Responsibilities Demonstrate skill in using unit-specific equipment, supplies, and materials to provide safe, effective care to the designated patient population in accordance with unit competency records. Promptly recognize deviations from baseline patient conditions and respond efficiently and appropriately in urgent or emergent situations. Know normal and abnormal vital signs and physical assessments, and promptly notify the RN of changes in patient condition. Competent in telemetry monitoring, including performing required measurements, identifying cardiac rhythms, and providing accurate rhythm interpretation. Document cardiac rhythm interpretations clearly and accurately in accordance with established guidelines and facility policy. Consistently adhere to patient safety guidelines, including verifying patient identity using two identifiers during all direct care and ensuring accurate patient identification in the telemetry monitoring system. Integrate performance improvement principles and Medical Center quality initiatives into daily practice to enhance patient quality of care. Work safely, adhere to infection control practices, and demonstrate proper operation of equipment. Perform audits related to telemetry processes and lead Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) initiatives to enhance quality, safety, and workflow efficiency within the telemetry service. Work Schedule: Day Shift; Permanent Change of Station (PCS) not authorized. No telework or virtual work. Competitive salary and regular salary increases; possible higher step rate for unique qualifications or special needs. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full-time employees with a family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs, up to a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contribution by VA. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long-term care and other benefits may be transferred and continued in retirement. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs