Licensed Practical Nurse - Primary Care

Summary The LPN - Primary Care GS‑7 position is located at the Chattanooga Outpatient Clinic in Chattanooga, TN. Qualifications 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 accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed. Licensure: Condition of employment; active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State‑Territory‑or‑Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia. Licensing exceptions: An LPN who has ever had any license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed on probation may be appointed only in accordance with regulations issued by the Under Secretary for Health or designee. English proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria). Grade determinations: The GS‑7 grade level is for select‑complex LPN/LVN positions as established by each health‑care facility. Advancement requires meeting all specified standards for the assignment. Leadership and skill: Demonstrate independent technical judgment, comprehensive clinical knowledge, and ability to assist RN/MD/DO in prioritizing and modifying patient care plans. Complex care competence: Able to observe and respond to subtle physical and emotional changes, administer medication and interventions according to VA standards, and document care accurately. Communication: Skill in influencing and communicating with patients and families, including those exhibiting difficult behaviors. Continuous improvement: Participating in committees, task forces, research projects, or developing educational materials to enhance overall care delivery. References: VA Handbook 5005 – Part II – Appendix G13 – Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements Physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the duties of the position. Ability to lift 30 lbs or more. Twisting, bending, standing, or walking almost constantly during the course of the day. See VA Handbook 5005 – Part III – Chapter 2, paragraph 7, and VA Handbook 5019 – Occupational Health Services for additional details. Duties Work under the supervision of the Nurse Manager in the Primary Care clinic while demonstrating independent technical judgment without readily available supervision. Apply practical nursing knowledge and skills to complex patient assignments in a veteran population with diverse health‑care needs. Exhibit independent technical judgment, critical thinking, and use of professional judgment to carry out complex practices and procedures. Prioritize and coordinate clinical activities with minimal supervision, supporting the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Conduct direct patient care activities, including managing patient care problems and deviations in accordance with VA Nursing Practice and LPN licensure standards. Assess, record, and report vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels. Triage and prioritize patient needs as routine, urgent, or emergent, and modify patient care or treatment as needed. Check patients into the clinic, interview patients or significant others, and document intake data per policy. Possess comprehensive knowledge of VA protocols, VHA directives, and clinic management, documentation, and computer technology. Serve as a resource for complex/specialized procedures, such as suture removal, staple removal, wound care, blood draws, ear irrigation, EKGs, nebulizer treatments, and joint injection setup. Assist with diagnostic procedures, including patient preparation, sterile field setup, instrumentation, and monitoring patient condition. Collaborate with the PACT team and other interdisciplinary services in implementing and evaluating patient care plans. Follow up on abnormal results with the provider and educate patients/families on disease management and anticipated plans of care. Serve in a leadership role within the PACT team to promote holistic care and optimize clinic efficiency. Act as a resource and Super User for frequently used equipment in the clinic setting (e.g., PYXIS – EKG and Car Lift) and utilize appropriate protocols for equipment repair and maintenance. Perform other duties as assigned, including mobile flu clinics, injection clinics, and walk‑in clinic responsibilities. Preferred Experience Previous primary care experience. Work Schedule Monday–Friday days, or as needed based on service requirements. Travel May be required for clinic coverage. #J-18808-Ljbffr