Practical Nurse
These LPN positions are located in Primary Care Clinics and are an integral part of a team of nursing staff. Duties include and are not limited to:
Provides safe, individualized quality nursing care to patients with varying medical/emotional needs. Performs patient care according to age-specific and cultural needs of patients. Observes and reports changes in patients' conditions to RN or MD; responds to changes in patients' condition. Safeguards confidential information regarding patients and personnel. Fully participates in the admission, orientation and discharge procedures. Observes, gathers, initiates, complies and records telemetry data. Reports cardiac rhythm changes and information on monitored patients. Gathers data as assigned by the RN and communicates this data verbally and/or in writing according to established procedures Performs a wide range diagnostic support duties; handles specialized equipment after completing skills checklists. Performs treatments and procedures within the scope of license and facility policies and procedures. Transcribes medication orders. Prepares, administers and documents medications with alertness to actions, side effects, adverse reactions and contraindication following Medical Center policies/procedures. Performs venipuncture. Prepares and administers selected intravenous fluids and medications via the peripheral route and via central intravenous lines with continuous intravenous fluid in progress (as per policy). Monitors IVs. Assists in verifying blood for hanging prior to transfusion. Establishes constructive interpersonal relationships with patients, families/significant others, professional personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other disciplines. Uses effective communication skills. Uses knowledge of human behavior, motivations, and reactions to situations in dealing with others in difficult situations. Fully participates as a member of the team providing patient care. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient's treatment plan, and promotes patient participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence. Uses patient care equipment in a safe and appropriate manner and assures proper maintenance seeking assistance as necessary. Uses the computer to access patient information and enter information regarding surveys and screens, and education provided to patients and family members. Performs work in a safe manner providing a safe environment for patients, self and other staff, for example, using universal precautions, isolation procedures, and body mechanics. Recognizes and reports potentially hazardous practices and environmental conditions. Seeks opportunities to present in-service education as staff learning needs are identified. Participates in/ leads work groups, teams and /or committees and supports the Center QM/QI activities. Attends in-service education for all new equipment and procedures and disseminates information to others on the unit or other areas as needed. Complies and adheres to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for reprocessing/cleaning Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as defined by Medical Center policies/procedures. Performs documentation to standards set by the VISN and National leadership, to help in meeting the benchmarks for performance indicators. Updates immunization status according to protocol and using proper documentation. Assumes responsibility for completing orientation and skills checklists. Open to learning new skills and new ways of doing things. Supports others who are trying new approaches to patient care. Works with RN and/or MD to orient/train less experienced LPNs/NAs/HCTs in relation to acceptable standards of practice. Accountable for work obligations and responsibilities. Accountable for and learns from mistakes. Comfortable with changing demands of job and environment. Reports punctually on and off duty. Observes dress code policy; maintains neat, clean appearance. Work Schedule:
Monday thru Friday, 7:
30am to 4:
00pm with occasional evening and Saturday work Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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 accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Exceptions include:
Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. Loss of Licensure or Certification. Loss of licensure or certification will result in removal from the GS-0620 licensed practical or vocational nurse series and may result in termination of employment. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. Licensed Vocational Nurses must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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). Preferred
Experience:
Doctor's Office or Clinic experience using triage skills or Medical Surge experience Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desired. If selected for this position, per VHA Directive 1177, you must possess current BCLS certification as you will provide direct clinical care to patients in this position. Grade Determinations:
Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment:
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. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-4 Candidates may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below:
Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived graduation from an approved school was not required by the jurisdiction in which the LPN/LVN was licensed) 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. Assignment:
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. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-5 Experience. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. See Education section for addition information. To qualify for the GS-5 level, your resume must demonstrate you possess the specialized experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the grade. Be clear in describing the job duties that demonstrate you possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-6 Experience. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. See Education section for addition information. To qualify for the GS-6 level, your resume must demonstrate you possess the specialized experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the grade. Be clear in describing the job duties that demonstrate you possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standards 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:
This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent 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. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Provides safe, individualized quality nursing care to patients with varying medical/emotional needs. Performs patient care according to age-specific and cultural needs of patients. Observes and reports changes in patients' conditions to RN or MD; responds to changes in patients' condition. Safeguards confidential information regarding patients and personnel. Fully participates in the admission, orientation and discharge procedures. Observes, gathers, initiates, complies and records telemetry data. Reports cardiac rhythm changes and information on monitored patients. Gathers data as assigned by the RN and communicates this data verbally and/or in writing according to established procedures Performs a wide range diagnostic support duties; handles specialized equipment after completing skills checklists. Performs treatments and procedures within the scope of license and facility policies and procedures. Transcribes medication orders. Prepares, administers and documents medications with alertness to actions, side effects, adverse reactions and contraindication following Medical Center policies/procedures. Performs venipuncture. Prepares and administers selected intravenous fluids and medications via the peripheral route and via central intravenous lines with continuous intravenous fluid in progress (as per policy). Monitors IVs. Assists in verifying blood for hanging prior to transfusion. Establishes constructive interpersonal relationships with patients, families/significant others, professional personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other disciplines. Uses effective communication skills. Uses knowledge of human behavior, motivations, and reactions to situations in dealing with others in difficult situations. Fully participates as a member of the team providing patient care. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient's treatment plan, and promotes patient participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence. Uses patient care equipment in a safe and appropriate manner and assures proper maintenance seeking assistance as necessary. Uses the computer to access patient information and enter information regarding surveys and screens, and education provided to patients and family members. Performs work in a safe manner providing a safe environment for patients, self and other staff, for example, using universal precautions, isolation procedures, and body mechanics. Recognizes and reports potentially hazardous practices and environmental conditions. Seeks opportunities to present in-service education as staff learning needs are identified. Participates in/ leads work groups, teams and /or committees and supports the Center QM/QI activities. Attends in-service education for all new equipment and procedures and disseminates information to others on the unit or other areas as needed. Complies and adheres to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for reprocessing/cleaning Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as defined by Medical Center policies/procedures. Performs documentation to standards set by the VISN and National leadership, to help in meeting the benchmarks for performance indicators. Updates immunization status according to protocol and using proper documentation. Assumes responsibility for completing orientation and skills checklists. Open to learning new skills and new ways of doing things. Supports others who are trying new approaches to patient care. Works with RN and/or MD to orient/train less experienced LPNs/NAs/HCTs in relation to acceptable standards of practice. Accountable for work obligations and responsibilities. Accountable for and learns from mistakes. Comfortable with changing demands of job and environment. Reports punctually on and off duty. Observes dress code policy; maintains neat, clean appearance. Work Schedule:
Monday thru Friday, 7:
30am to 4:
00pm with occasional evening and Saturday work Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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 accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Exceptions include:
Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. Loss of Licensure or Certification. Loss of licensure or certification will result in removal from the GS-0620 licensed practical or vocational nurse series and may result in termination of employment. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. Licensed Vocational Nurses must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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). Preferred
Experience:
Doctor's Office or Clinic experience using triage skills or Medical Surge experience Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desired. If selected for this position, per VHA Directive 1177, you must possess current BCLS certification as you will provide direct clinical care to patients in this position. Grade Determinations:
Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment:
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. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-4 Candidates may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below:
Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived graduation from an approved school was not required by the jurisdiction in which the LPN/LVN was licensed) 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. Assignment:
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. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-5 Experience. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. See Education section for addition information. To qualify for the GS-5 level, your resume must demonstrate you possess the specialized experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the grade. Be clear in describing the job duties that demonstrate you possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-6 Experience. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. See Education section for addition information. To qualify for the GS-6 level, your resume must demonstrate you possess the specialized experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the grade. Be clear in describing the job duties that demonstrate you possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standards 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:
This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent 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. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.
- Department:
0620 Practical Nurse - Salary Range:
$33,564 to $50,598 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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