career center

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works in an inpatient setting and is a member of the health care team. The incumbent will possess knowledge and skill to carry out a full range of practical nursing care assignments as a team member or associate nurse. The LPN in the inpatient setting possesses knowledge of developmental and age specific needs of various client populations. The LPN maintains good interpersonal relations in the work area and with supportive personnel. 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing(ACEN) at the time the program was completed by applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. 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: 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. (d) 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 (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 approval 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. (g) 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 (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 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. References: VA Handbook Qualification Standards 5005/03, Part II Appendix G13 Licensed Practical Nurse 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. 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 ["Some duties include but are not limited to: A. Patient Care: a) Accurately administers and records medications and treatments. This role includes review of\nneed, contra indications, allergies and identifying and recording reactions/interactions.\nRecognizes the pharmacological implications of medication administration for various age\ngroups.\nb) Demonstrates knowledge of the nursing process in administering patient care by;\nc) Collection of data and observing to determine patient's needs.\nd) Planning patient care based on needs.\ne) Carrying out a developed plan of care.\nf) Evaluate and adjust plan of care to meet patient's needs.\ng) Recognizes and quickly determines emergency situations and makes appropriate and timely\ninterventions.\nh) Performs procedures accurately, completely, and safely according to VACT nursing policies.\ni) Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team in the development, implementation and\nevaluation of the patient's treatment and plan.\nj) Promotes and encourages all patients to participate in the therapeutic plan, giving emotional\nsupport.\nk) Carry out the nursing process through utilization of the above principles.\nl) Provides assistance for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures which include preparing the patient,\nassisting with the procedure and monitoring the patient's condition.\nm) LPN assigned to acute care setting will perform duties which may include but are not limited to\nn) Performs diagnostic test such as 12 lead EKGs. Accurately assesses, reports and records vital\nsigns, i e temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weights, major pulse point, peripheral\ncirculatory checks, and neurological checks.\no) Performs glucometer testing,\np) Performs urine collection\nq) Identify and report abnormal results to RN/ Provider\nr) Other tasks as assigned as part of acute care.\ns) Completes all required TMS training in a timely manner,\nt) Functions as a chaperone and assists with women's health procedures as assigned.\nu) Performs nasal swabs and screening related to COVID 19 testing.\nv) Performs phlebotomy draws in accordance with local policy and procedure. B. Observation, Reporting and Documentation a) Charts according to VACT guidelines and documents needs observations and nursing care\nadministered with patient's response.\nb) Consistently and timely documents care provided in the electronic medical record.\nc) Reports pertinent information to appropriate personnel during the day\nd) Consistently reports and records information clearly; uses proper medical terminology.\ne) Maintains confidentiality of patient information with no instances of counseling required.\nC. Interpersonal Relationships and Organization Support\na) Demonstrates initiative in carrying out assignments promptly and directing nonprofessional staff.\nb) Demonstrates flexibility by willingly and promptly accepting changes in the work assignment or\nlocation.\nc) Shows ability in conducting positive and purposeful communications with patients, families and\nhealth team members.\nd) Promotes working relationships based upon communication\nD. Communication\na) Obtains report on assigned patient from RN and previous NA. Reports on at the beginning of the\nshift, breaks and off at the end of shift to the RN and covering NA.\nb) Communicates with patients, families, and co-workers professionally. Consistently models\nprofessional conduct in routine and stressful situations.\nc) Completes assigned training requirements and adheres to VACT policies related to standards of\nappearance and time and leave. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm\nTelework: Not eligible\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Issued upon Selection\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]