Career Center

This position is located at the H.J. Heinz Campus -Vocational Recovery Center. The Licensed Practical Nurse will be assigned to the Domiciliary Care (Dom/PRRTP). This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT . Eligible applications received will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. 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. 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. 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. 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. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR, Graduation from an approved school (unless meeting one of the education exceptions above) 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. 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. GS-5 Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. 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 RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs 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-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. Preferred Experience: Some experience working in mental health. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005, PART II, APPENDIX G13 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. ["The Dom/PRRTP staff provides specialized care to residents admitted/transferred to the Vocational Recovery Center. The treatment team is accountable for promoting resident safety, continuity/ quality of care and general well-being of the resident. The LPN collaborates with physicians, nurse practitioner, psychologist, social worker, case managers and ancillary services to provide this care. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Applies the nursing process to administer holistic patient care. Competently performs all duties within the scope of licensure. Administers medications by approved training routes and carries out basic treatments as ordered, monitors patients' response to medication and treatments, reports changes and documents effectiveness. Functions as a member of the team by participating in planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care using a focused assessment to care for the adult patient with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Participates in providing or reinforcing effective patient education to both patient and their family in relation to disease process, medications and treatments, procedures and surgeries, equipment and devices or any education deemed necessary. Documents the effectiveness of the education. Assists the patient in activities of daily living toward the attainment of rehabilitative/restorative goals. Performs escort and sitter duties based upon the care needs of the Veteran. Assess life threatening conditions and initiates and/or assists with CPR or other appropriate interventions including prompt notification of an RN or MD/DO to provide appropriate direction and intervention. Demonstrates initiative during medical or psychiatric emergencies by applying the learned skills and knowledge to resolve clinical emergencies. Assists others in the use of preventive techniques or measures when interacting with patients who display disruptive, acting out behaviors and practices the use of the least restrictive environment. Assist with escorting resident to appointments which may include sitting with the resident during appointment, testing, evaluation, etc. Adheres to Medical Center policies and procedures when caring for patients on suicidal codes or in restraints or in seclusion. Applies ethical principles to practice and seeks assistance to address ethical issues with care. Works independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety duties including setting priorities and coordinating work. Communicates effectively and professionally with both internal and external customers. Ability to identify customer concerns, perform the tasks required to resolve the issue accurately and timely and follow-up as necessary to ensure a satisfactory resolution. Collaborates, communicates, sets priorities and organizes assigned work and delegates appropriate tasks/ responsibilities in order to expedite patient care while ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations. Participates in unit-based performance improvement projects that ultimately improve patient care and/or patient outcomes. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards or supply deficiencies and reports to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Actively seeks out and participates in educational activities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Shares new knowledge gained with other staff to advance nursing practice. Serves as preceptor, mentor and/or coach to other nursing staff. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time Nights 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM with occasional Days (6:00 AM to 2:30 PM) or Full Time Evening 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM with occasional Days (6:00 AM to 2:30 PM) Compressed/Flexible: Compressed tours are available (2) 12 hour shifts and (2) 8 hour shifts each week Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 / Practical Nurse - DOM/PRRTP Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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