Career Center

North Florid/South Georgia Healthcare System is recruiting for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in The Villages, Florida location. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is directly responsible to the professional nurse for providing direct care within his/her scope of practice. The Nurse Manager/designee is responsible for the supervision and performance evaluation. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the 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. Preferred Experience: Minimum 2.5 - 3 years varied medical/surgical LPN clinical experience required. Previous LPN outpatient clinic or community-based experience preferred. Previous experience working with patients with chronic pain preferred. Demonstrates strong teaching skills. Excellent skills in interpersonal relations with the health care team and general public; strong/family advocate. Strong computer and organizational skills. Demonstrates ability to perform assignment with minimal direct supervision. Demonstrates strong organizational skills and problem-solving abilities. Team player who is proactive to change. Important individual characteristics: creativity, flexibility, ability to work in fast-paced changing environment. BLS Certification and Intravenous (IV) therapy certification???? References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard, dated April 10, 2003. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06. Physical Requirements: Direct patient care work involves considerable walking and standing (up to 12 hours/day), pushing, pulling, bending, and heavy lifting (45 pounds and over). The incumbent accepts assignment on any tour of duty and in whatever area services are required. In-direct patient care work is mostly sedentary. Typically the employee sits comfortably to complete the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items such as patient records and supplies. ["The LPN is responsible for administering medications, nursing procedures, and completing Provider orders with oversight from the Registered Nurse. The LPN assists with transitions of care through collaboration with multi-disciplinary services, both internal and external to the VA Health System. The LPN monitors and utilizes team metrics to coordinate individualized nursing and other health services, promote patient advocacy, health education, promote optimal health and wellness, evaluate patient treatment preferences, health goals, and outcomes, and navigate the health care system. The LPN structures daily activities to promote time management, organization, and prioritization. Major duties but not limited to: Focuses on clinic visits, and exams Uses motivational interviewing and health coaching to guide patients Reviews future and daily schedules for patient care needs May provide medication list for patient review Performs vital signs and treatments Assists providers with exams/procedures Completes appropriate clinical reminders Administers/tracks immunizations Tracks, prepares and administers medications Completes orders per provider or protocol Maintains adherence of daily schedule Facilitates visit closure by confirming required patient education and orders have been processed/completed Observes, records, and reports patient's response or changes in patient's condition Promptly recognizes and responds to urgent or emergent situations Assists with orientation: PACT patient orientation and new staff/affiliate orientation Coordinates group visits Checks daily equipment/supplies and restock Places orders and consults per clinical reminders and PACT Nurse Protocols Responds to Patient calls/messages and/or alerts Completes primary care discharge phone calls per clinic policy Monitors PACT metrics for teamlet Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0800 to 1630; day shift, varying hours/days\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]