Career Center

This is an Open Continuous Announcement that will be used to fill vacant LPN positions throughout the facility throughout the year to meet hiring needs expeditiously. Resumes will be referred to hiring managers as a vacancy occurs. You will receive an email notification when your resume has been referred for a vacancy. Facility Bargaining Unit (BU) employees will receive first consideration. NOTE: Resumes will only be referred to the hiring manager for consideration as vacancies occur. 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. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth 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.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. 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 G-13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard dated April 10, 2003. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. ["The LPN provides effective education and support to patients and/or family members in relation to general and/or mental health disease process and management, medications and lifestyle influences, always within the framework of wellness and recovery principles. Demonstrates active collaboration and communication with the patient/caregiver, providers (internal and external), RN's, peers and medical support assistants in providing care to the patient. Appropriately prioritizes overall patient care needs and adjusts plans as needed. Makes astute observations of physical and or mental/emotional changes in patient's condition, notifies RN and/or provider and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care. Exhibits skills, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, performance improvement projects or in developing educational materials/media. Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice. The LPN is expected to exercise independent technical judgements to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. Work of considerable difficult and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Should be proficient in the understanding of and administration of long-acting injectable medications. There are vacancies for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in a variety of specialty areas to include: Acute Care 5 West (Surgical) 4 West (Medical/Cardiology) 5 East Warrior's Recovery Unit (Inpatient Mental Health) Specialized Work Assignment Team (SWAT) Outpatient and Procedural Care Primary Care Specialty Clinic Geriatrics and Extended Care Community Living Center (CLC) 1 - long term care Community Living Center (CLC) 2 - short stay rehab Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Rutherfordton CBOC Franklin CBOC Hickory CBOC Telehealth The primary responsibilities of the LPN may vary by assignment. Duties may include but are not limited to: Must be able to function independently and autonomously according to established policies, procedures and practices. Must demonstrate the ability to observe, identify and respond to the Veteran's needs for nursing, medication and emotional care and to recognize deviations from normal. Responsible for Veteran and Family/Caregiver assessment for health literacy and educational needs, including health coaching and provision of education; and is self-directed. Complete the Health Promotion/clinical reminders as appropriate, documents accordingly. Performs care that is demographically and environmentally appropriate; uses techniques to de-escalate disruptive patients appropriately. Ongoing, continuous care of assigned panel(s) of Veterans. Participating in team performance improvements and sustainment activities to optimize team efficiency of care delivery with Veterans. Adeptly managing telephone, secure messaging, face to face and virtual communications to effectively meet patient care needs. Providing general health and mental health education and coaching on wellness, disease prevention/management, and self-management skills with Veterans and their caregivers as appropriate. Effective in using formal and informal communications that are respectful, timely and collaborative with all team members, including the Veteran and Family/Caregivers to convey significant, clinically relevant information for the care of the Veteran. Assesses records and reports vital signs, mental/emotional state, weight and responses to medications/therapies. Appropriately determines and prioritizes patient needs as routine, urgent or emergent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/treatment as needed. Serves as a first aid resource for clinic patients or staff that sustain minor injuries. Responds appropriately to crises that may arise in the clinic setting. Collaborates with the BHIP team and other interdisciplinary services in the development, implementation and evaluation of patient care. Assists Assistant Nurse Manager with planning and organizing specialized unit projects (i.e. flu clinic, injection clinic, performance improvement projects). Work Schedule: A variety/ schedules available\nTelework schedules: Typically not authorized\nVirtual work schedules: This is not a virtual position\nFinancial Disclosure Report: NOT required"]