Licensed Practical Nurse- Care in the Community

Practical Nurse

The duties of the Practical Nurse include, but are not limited to:

Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care by interviewing patients of variable populations

Collaborates with the RN/Provider in developing and implementing a plan of care individualized to carry out the needs of the patient

Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient's treatment and follow-up health care

Collaborates with members of other services regarding changes in patients' condition, lab results, responses to treatment plan and other pertinent parameters of care

Demonstrates 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

Meets patients' needs by direct physical care and psychosocial intervention and by assuming responsibility for nursing management of unstable patients whose nursing care needs are not predictable

Makes necessary judgments prior to preparing and administering prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous), recognizing side effects and contradictions, and promptly and accurately documents noted changes and reports any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO

Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the patient, patient education, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing specimens, preparing and passing instruments, and monitoring the patient's condition

Recognizes emergency situations, responding promptly and instituting appropriate actions

Supports the patient and/or family members/significant other in the integration of the patient care plan toward achievement of discharge objectives

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

Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs and actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Work Schedule: Intermittent schedule- Tour of Duty to be discussed during interview

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).

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs