Summary

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized

Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

01/30/2024 to 09/30/2024

* Salary

$54,012 - $84,111 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 3 - 6

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Location

2 vacancies in the following location:

* Anchorage, AK

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Permanent -

* Work schedule

Full-time -

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

* Job family (Series)

0620 Practical Nurse

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

* Announcement number

CBSV-12297323-24-DB

* Control number

773613400

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This job is open to

* Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

* Federal employees - Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

* The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Veterans' Preference: Does not apply to this announcement per OCHCO Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 27, 2023

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Duties

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse:

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Licensed Practical Nurse - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-LPN-Career-Flyer.pdf

In this position the LPN is more than likely assigned to a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and is responsible for assisting with panel management for his/her PACT, and other duties as assigned by supervisor or per the daily schedule. Some primary roles in this capacity: assist providers with clinic visits, exams, and procedures; administer medication, process clinical reminders, review and process alerts; provide education within scope of practice; keep Veteran informed during visit and provide needed updates, assist with walk-in patients as schedule allows; daily cleaning and stocking of rooms; review secure messages, FAXCOM, and CMT tasks; provide SBAR communication; and assist in scrubbing the schedule.Communications:

* Expresses information to multiple audiences through clear, convincing oral and written communication.

* Delivers accurate and timely information (relative to the situation) to others, and shapes communications by properly utilizing SBAR to meet the needs of our Veterans and their families.

* Works with CPRS, entering notes and addressing alerts.

Patient Care:

* Demonstrates knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patient's condition.

* Plans and carries out assignments following VHA directives and local Numbered Memoranda.

* Provides appropriate patient and family education regarding disease condition, procedures, tests, and health maintenance.

* Observes and responds to subtle changes in patient's behavior by providing emotional/physical support/intervention to prevent a problem.

* Participates in Medication Review by reviewing with patient/care giver medication list, annotate changes on the list for PCP's review, enter non-VA meds in CPRS.

* Provides ambulatory nursing care to patients with acute and chronic healthcare needs, including responding to triages as appropriate.

* Responds to medical emergencies such as "medical urgencies" and nursing alerts as appropriate.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Contact VHAEDRPProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, 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 Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

* All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

* Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

* You may be required to serve a probationary period.

* Subject to background/security investigation.

* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

* Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.

* Transcripts must be submitted at time of application. Conferral of degree(s) must be stated on transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

* Exceptions include:

* Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.

* Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment.

* Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia.

* English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English.

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.

GS-4

Candidates may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the following criteria:

* Six months of qualifying experience as LPN/LVN; OR

* Graduation from an approved school 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

* Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-5

* Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.

* Employees assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

* Demonstrated knowledge/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/MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or NAs/HTs in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides education to patients/family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes.

* 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.

* Knowledge/skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and document actions taken specific to prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation/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.

* Knowledge/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.

* Recognizes/responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

GS-6

* Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

* Employees assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

* Proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge/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 patient information.

* Ability to observe/identify/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/considers emotional , cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.

* Prepares/administers medications and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, documenting noted changes, and reporting any changes from normal to RN or MD/DO.

* Knowledge/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.

* Knowledge/understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to utilize this knowledge in working with patients, family members, and other staff.

* Establishes 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. Incorporates knowledge and understanding of customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers.

* Knowledge/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 educating and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs/NAs/HTs.

* 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: One year of LPN experience

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 II-G13-1 APPENDIX G13. LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD

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: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Pushing, 1 hour; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Kneeling; Crawling; Repeated bending, 1-2 hours; Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental and Emotional Stability; Working on Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working with hands in water; Working closely with others; Lifts Patients;

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

* Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.