Licensed Practical Nurse - Primary Care Clinic - Full Time

Summary

The incumbent performs a variety of supportive nursing and medical tasks necessary to the care of patients during diagnostic and therapeutic visits to any ECHCS VA Primary Care Clinic location. This position is for the new Englewood VA Medical Center. The Licensed Practical Nurse's (LPN) practice is modeled on the standards established within the VHA model for Patient Aligned Care Teams.

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

Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant

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

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

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade

The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade

GS-06: 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

Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations

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

To accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information

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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors

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 from prescribed medications/treatments - promptly and accurately documenting noted changes - and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO

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

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

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

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

Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills - sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice

References: VA Handbook 5005/3 - Part II - Appendix G13 VA Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity

Requires potential long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing

Transferring patients and objects may be required

Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided

May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings

May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders - must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Duties

The incumbent provides a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems

Is able to perform routine evaluation of patients while in the clinic setting by obtaining current symptoms and complaints, observing the patient's condition, behavior, and response to treatments and/or medications

GS-6: The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) GS-6 is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran

Performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee

The LPN/LVN GS-6 is expected to function at a fully successful level for all key elements at the GS-5 grade

The LPN/LVN GS-6 is a full performance functional level for the LPN/LVN occupation for providing practical nursing care with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: The LPN/LVN GS-6 is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice

Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations

Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patients' conditions

To use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments

To accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information

The incumbent is able to perform routine evaluation of patients while in the clinic setting by obtaining current symptoms and complaints, observing the patient's condition, behavior, and response to treatments and/or medications

Documents appropriate information in the patient record and reports significant deviations to the RN and/or provider

Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes

Recognizes the need for and institutes cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures when indicated in accordance with established medical center policy and procedure

Independently performs coordinating duties related to the operation of the clinic such as ordering and maintaining supplies and medications and obtaining patient data

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

The incumbent practices within their nursing scope of practice and functional level - demonstrating and promoting the mission of the VA and ICARE values

Delivers safe care to assigned patients - while developing technical competencies based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice, VHA Directives, and local policies

Uses the Computerized Patient Record System and the Bar Coded Medication Administration software per policy

Treats all patients and families with dignity and respect

Listens to and honors patient and family perspectives and choices

Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care in a non-judgmental, nondiscriminatory manner (Patient and Family Centered Care)

Performs other assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers which are essential to patient care

May be assigned to any ECHCS VA Primary Care Clinic

May be required to drive or ride between locations in GSA vehicle

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 401(k) 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)

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts

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

Functional Statement #: 57292-A

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