The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) within Primary and Specialty Medicine (PSM) Integrated Care Community (ICC) functions as a nursing team member under the direction and guidance of the Registered Nurse (RN) or Provider. He/she is responsible for delivering safe physical and emotional care to Veterans, in a variety of settings, while enhancing technical skills and nursing knowledge. 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 (see "Education" section for additional requirements and exceptions). Transcript(s) are required at the time of application. 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. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). 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: 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. GS-03. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or 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-05. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: 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 registered nurse (RN) and/or physician (MD/DO) to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs 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-06. Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: 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 RN or 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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Prepares/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. 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. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023 and may be extended until all vacancies are filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be July 25, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. The Licensed Practical Nurse delivers patient care and education in a variety of settings to include all outpatient primary care and specialty care clinics and procedural areas. The knowledge required of this position includes a variety of uncomplicated Veteran centered physical and behavioral interventions. Provides nursing care to patients according to established facility procedures adhering to all VA and nursing policies, procedures, standards, and protocol. Nursing care include but is not limited to: rooming patients, obtaining weight, height, and vital signs, completing clinical reminders, documenting medication reconciliation including non-VA and co-managed care, when applicable, catheterizing, applying hot/cold compresses, performing soaks, applying sterile dressings, trimming nails, performing ear lavages, scanning bladders, performing glucometer control tests, performing quality control checks, administrating medications including immunizations, injections & oxygen. Assists the RN and/or Provider with special procedures by preparing the patient, participating in the time out procedure, securing clean or sterile supplies/equipment as appropriate, assisting with the specific procedure/visit, collecting and labeling specimens, peri-procedural monitoring and handling and cleaning on instruments appropriately. Assists providers with specialized injections, wound care, joint injection/aspirations, bone marrow biopsies, skin tag removal, pap smears, colposcopy, insertion of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) and pessaries, endometrial biopsy, application of liquid nitrogen, electrosurgery, and other minor procedures as applicable to clinic. Responds quickly and appropriately to emergency situations. Recognizes and reports signs and symptoms of predictable and secondary pharmacological effects of drugs. Reinforces patient education regarding medications. Provides effective patient/family education on an individual basis according to VA guidelines for care and self-management. Participates and promotes Health Promotion/Disease Prevention activities, explains non-critical lab results, medications, diagnostic procedures, VA policies, correct usage of blood pressure meters, application of compression hose, injections and others as needed. Provides direct customer and Veteran service that is prompt, friendly, and cooperative. Resolves issues at the lowest level and in a timely manner. Sets limits within the nurse/patient relationship that are clearly defined. Uses safe and proper techniques when giving Veteran care and handling equipment, using Standard Precautions and personal/Veteran protective equipment. Initiates appropriate emergency interventions. Maintains a safe/clean work environment, ensuring Veteran privacy. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday-Friday 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment/Relocation incentive of up to $8,000 authorized for eligible, highly qualified applicants. A service agreement is required for all relocation incentives. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
