| The LPN is assigned to the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System . The LPN, Primary Care Clinic GS-7 is under the supervision of the Nurse Manager at the Chattanooga Outpatient Clinic in Chattanooga, TN., yet demonstrates independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision. The LPN is technically proficient and self-directed in initiating, performing and completing complex practical nursing care. VA GS Pay Scale The LPN is technically proficient and self-directed in initiating, performing and completing complex practical nursing care to patients within the Primary Care clinics The LPN GS-7 must demonstrate an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction in carrying out the most complex practical nursing care assignments within the Primary Care Clinics for a Veteran population with a variety of health care needs. The LPN GS-7 exhibits independent technical judgment, critical thinking skills, and the use of independent judgment to carry out complex practices and procedures. Employees at the GS-7 grade level demonstrate broader skill with respect to these responsibilities. The LPN demonstrates knowledge, experience, skill and self-motivation to carry out complex patient assignments, which include prioritization and coordination of clinical activities with minimal supervision. Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) members have independent duties within a team to ensure that the patients are receiving high quality care and have timely access to care. The LPN collaborates with a Specialty team to provide complex/specialized patient-centered care to patients' ages, cultural backgrounds, education level, and any other special needs. The panel population is multi-faceted, including geriatric patients, patients from all war-time eras, female patients, and patient with complex psychiatric needs. Performs direct patient care activities, as appropriate to assignment, (includes, but is not limited to): Manages patient care problems and deviations using self direction in accordance with VA Nursing Practice and LPN licensure standards. Assesses, records, and reports vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels. Appropriately triages and prioritizes patient needs as routine, urgent, or emergent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/treatment as needed. Checks patients into the clinic, interviews patient and/or significant other, and documents intake data as per policy. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of VA protocols and VHA directives related to clinic management, documentation, and computer technology. Serves as a resource for complex/specialized procedures (i.e. suture removal, staple removal, wound care, blood draws, and clinic specific procedures, such as ear irrigation, performing EKGs, nebulizer treatments or assisting for set up of joint injections). Assists with diagnostic procedures that include preparing the patient, setting up sterile field and instrumentation, and monitoring the patient's condition. Collaborates with the PACT team and other interdisciplinary services in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Exercises independent technical judgement and possesses a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles and science of practical nursing. Duties include following up on abnormal results with the provider and educating patients/families on disease management and anticipated plan of care. Serves in a leadership role within the PACT team to promote holistic care and optimize clinic efficiency. Assists other staff to improve and advance their practical nursing practice as appropriate. Serves as a resource person and Super User for frequently used equipment in the clinic setting ( i.e. PYXIS, EKG and Car Lift) and utilizes appropriate protocol for equipment repair and maintenance. Functions as a role model for co-workers in guiding clinical practice. Coordinates clinical work assignments with the RN to ensure patient care needs are met. Assist in completing staff competencies on frequently used equipment. Active participant in quality improvement projects/hospital committees/Unit Based Council to promote evidence-based practice and performance improvement in the clinic setting. Demonstrates engagement by regular attendance at committee meetings and providing committee updates during monthly staff meetings. Assists Nurse Manager with planning and organizing specialized unit projects e.g. Mobile flu clinic , injection clinic, and walk-in clinic. Performs Joint Commission Tracer reviews to ensure compliance with nursing practice standards related to nursing clinical reminders. Completes nursing clinical reminders thoroughly and accurately per due dates and clinical appropriateness, including but not limited to Suicide Screening, Depression Screening, Alcohol Use Screening, Tobacco Use Screening, and Pain Screening. Develops and implements action plans, including educating nursing staff to address identified deficiencies. Consistent and timely notification to the provider for any positive clinical reminder screenings found during intake for provider to follow up during clinical visit. |
