Licensed Practical Nurse (Primary Care)

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works under the supervision of a registered nurse to provide practical nursing care in the Primary Care setting. The LPN applies knowledge from multiple sciences and demonstrates skill and self-direction in carrying out complex nursing assignments and resolving a range of patient care problems.

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
• 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)
• 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
• 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
• Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website
• Licensure
• 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-3. None beyond the basic requirements
• LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g. - medication administration)
• however - completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved
• GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below:(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• or(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
• or(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
• Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes - medication - and /or prescribed treatment regimes.(c) 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.(d) 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
• 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.(e) 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.(f) 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-6(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.(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 4 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
• 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-03 to GS-06
• Physical Requirements: Extensive periods of sitting - standing and walking
• Working with patients requires regular and recurring lifting - pushing - stooping - squatting - kneeling - crouching and similar activities
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional DIRECT PATIENT CARE: Perform assigned technical procedures - such as measuring weight - blood pressure - pulse - and temperature
• Prepare and administer medications following policy and procedure manuals
• Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures completed in the clinic
• Complete all assigned clinical reminders during pre-visit check-in and notify PCP of abnormal findings
• Participate in patient admission - transfer - or discharge processes
• Provide continuity of care by instructing patients on equipment - labs - or procedures needed for future visits and explaining medications
• Educate patients on physical activity limitations or enhancements to improve outcomes
• Instruct patients about upcoming diagnostic procedures (e.g. - CT scans - Doppler studies - ultrasounds)
• Check AED and glucometer - reporting any issues
• Monitor medication refrigerator temperature and report when out of range
• Contribute to Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) huddles and interdisciplinary meetings - sharing relevant data
• Initiate IV therapy (if certified/approved per state licensing)
• Notify supervisory staff nurse/supervisor of any patient condition changes or problems
• Notify Lead RN/Nurse Manager about large spills - linen needs - or other facility concerns
• Complete clinical reminders and documentation - assist with forms for patients
• Provide direct care for male and female patients from 18 years through elderly adulthood - demonstrating population-based nursing competency
• Deliver care using Patient Centered Care/RSC and PACT principles
• Maintain current BLS - initiate and perform BLS as indicated
• For designated lab duties - maintain competency per Ancillary Testing Coordinator and lab policies
• Teach self-care skills to patients - families - and significant others
• Check IED and glucometer daily
• Complete wound and fall risk assessments
• Assist with diabetic and hypertension education for patients
• ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: Assist or participate in group clinics (e.g. - hypertensive - hyperlipidemia - diabetes - shared medical appointments)
• Document all care - observations - procedures - vital signs - treatments - and medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR)
• Support routine unit activities and perform additional duties as assigned
• Adhere strictly to all safety policies
• Contribute to the interdisciplinary team in treatment plan development - implementation - and evaluation for patients
• Assume responsibility and accountability as delegated - under RN/Primary Care Provider supervision
• Make patient care assignments for the next day
• Function as a team leader on the unit - under RN supervision
• Apply knowledge of TJC standards - Patient Safety Goals - and Infection Control in daily practice
• Complete all mandatory VA training topics on time
• Participate in clinic process improvements - systems redesign - and help meet/exceed performance goals
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled staff meetings
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - 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 401K 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 Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 93353A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.

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