Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the Registered Nurse in the care of patients in acute - subacute - or chronic states of illness. The Licensed Practical Nurse delivers fundamental - knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies.

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:

• Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States
• 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 as required by 38 U.S.C.7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above - 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-3 None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-4 Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• OR - Graduation from an approved school (unless meeting one of the education exceptions above) 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
• LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level
• however - they are expected to exercise greater judgment - require less supervision - and to operate in accordance with all established policies - procedure - and techniques
• GS-5 Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• 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
• 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 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
• 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
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO
• Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures
• However - completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review
• GS-6 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Preferred Experience: At least 2 years LPN experience and experience with assisting provider with minor procedures preferred
• References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 - PART II - APPENDIX G13 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Duties

• Duties are not limited to the following: Supports Vaccine Clinic and Vaccine Travel Ensures proper handling - administration and disposal of Vaccines per policy and procedure
• Coordinates with NM for Vaccine team travel - delivery - and administration of Vaccines while at the VA Community Clinics (VACC)
• Works with VACC's NM - clerical staff - and nursing staff during assigned Vaccine travel days
• Assists the Vaccine clinic - VACCs - and Primary Care as needed and directed by NM
• Documents all procedures provided - completes clinical reminders and completes appointment encounter
• Support diagnostic procedure: Receives patients scheduled for the various clinics or arriving for other ambulatory care
• Assists patients with getting on and off examination table
• Escorts ambulatory patients and transports patients via litter or wheelchair when required
• Ensures all specimens are labeled according to hospital policy
• Sets up examination room by providing necessary instruments and supplies - ensuring clinic area and equipment is aseptically dean and in order - and assures patient charts and necessary information is available
• Assists providers and nurses by supplying needed equipment - providing information such as - vital signs - weight - observations - and information obtained from patient
• Assures smooth clinic operations by directing the patient to the appropriate area
• Inventories - orders - and restocks needed linens and supplies and reports defective equipment
• Detects and reports unsafe work conditions
• Uses correct protective personal equipment and standard precautions in all areas of patient care
• Maintain order and deadlines in storage and work areas
• Assist with technical nursing treatments: Performs EKG - places patient on a life pack - and completes glucometer checks on patient
• Administers prescribed medications per policy
• Performs phlebotomy in the outpatient lab
• Provide care that incorporates the age - gender - culture - and learning needs of patients requiring basic planning and evaluation of care
• Apply infection control measures appropriately in delivering care
• Communicate with team members regarding patient care
• Adhere to ethical and principles and standards in delivering care
• Enter information into patients' records/charts
• Apply knowledge and skill core competencies of the assigned unit to patient care
• Use effective communication skills with co-workers to achieve desired patient outcomes
• Provide teaching to patients: Identifies patient and family learning needs - educates the patient/family member(s) according to the patient education record - and documents the evaluation of learning
• Instructs the patient and family on his/her role in various procedures performed
• Explains how equipment will be used
• Reinforces information previously supplied by the physician or nurse
• Informs nurse care manager of obstacles to learning that will require enhancement
• Demonstrates mandatory and clinical competencies of the position
• Administers life support measures (CPR) - when required
• Performs messenger duties for Primary Care/Primary Care Specialty Services as needed to obtain STAT meds - equipment - specimens - etc
• Documents procedures performed and results
• Documents teaching/instructions and response in proper format - utilizing documentation standards
• Documents vital signs - weights - and special observations in proper format VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm 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 available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 595-05347-50-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized