Practical Nurse

Summary The Advanced Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Primary Care delivers exemplary support to the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) – ensuring optimal clinic operations and patient flow in the assigned Primary Care Clinic(s) while simultaneously advancing PACT metrics. Demonstrating strong self‑motivation and a commitment to excellence, the Advanced LPN takes initiative in performing specialized nursing and patient‑care activities and duties. 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). 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. For VHA employment, exceptions include health‑care education or training in the military service that is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure. Licensure: Must possess a full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a state, territory, or commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia. Copy of license required. Grade determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must also be met. The candidate’s qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the GS‑7 level. Must possess at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑6 level or equivalent and fully meet all performance requirements for the GS‑6 LPN. Assist the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient‑care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Make astute observations of subtle changes – both physical and emotional – in patient condition and accurately and thoroughly document care delivered and patient response, which may require immediate modification of the patient‑care plan. Appropriately seek assistance and guidance by informing the RN or MD/DO of changes in patient condition requiring higher‑level intervention. Participate to a greater degree in prioritizing and, as appropriate, modifying patient‑care treatment. Observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. Proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures, and appropriately recording administration and patient response. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to recognize subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions and promptly inform the RN/MD/DO of observed changes in patient condition, initiating appropriate prescribed interventions. Demonstrate broader knowledge and skill regarding these responsibilities than staff at lower grade levels. Recognize potential urgent or emergent patient‑care situations, seek assistance from the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention, and effectively intervene as directed to ensure optimal, safe, and therapeutic patient‑care delivery. Exhibit judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. Assist individuals or groups of patients and their families in taking an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercise skill in influencing and communicating with patients or family members who may exhibit problems such as lack of self‑control, resistance or abusive behaviors, or impediments in understanding or following instructions. Deal effectively with such patients under very general supervision. Contribute to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient/family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees, task forces, research projects, or in developing educational materials/media. Actively promote and effectively incorporate established customer‑service standards in all aspects of practice. Possess comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex or specialized patient‑care. Serve as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in applying more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas. Support the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non‑medical staff in patient‑care delivery. Promptly report any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO. Monitor the practice of non‑licensed nursing and medical staff in addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level. Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Exercise independent technical judgments and possess and apply comprehensive knowledge of the principles, art, and science of practical nursing. Perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision. Seek out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, providing leadership in assisting other staff to improve and advance their nursing practice. For more information on this qualification standard, refer to The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑7. Physical Requirements This position includes a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by nurses such as direct patient care and potentially long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling. Duties Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Responds to communications, observations, veteran care reports, and provider/staff discussions, taking appropriate actions. Reports changes to providers and demonstrates the knowledge and ability to effectively intervene and recommend strategies that assure optimal, safe, and effective care. Performs treatments, procedures, and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment appropriate to assigned duties. Contributes to overall veteran care delivery and improves satisfaction through active participation on committees, task forces, and groups. Supports the team in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing staff or non‑medical staff to ensure safe patient‑care delivery. Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts within the medical center. Works in collaboration with the registered nurse (RN) and/or health‑care provider (HCP). Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans, outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur. Possesses knowledge and skill to carry out more specialized patient‑care activities, including the use of veteran care data to initiate active contributions to the veteran’s overall health plan. Benefits Work schedule: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday–Friday. No compressed/flexible schedule, no sign‑on bonus, no relocation assistance. Competitive salary with regular salary increases. Paid time off: 37–50 days of annual paid time per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). 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 for 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 a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA Insurance, plus 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 #: 07365F. #J-18808-Ljbffr