Career Center

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions as a member of the health care team. Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, she/he is responsible for providing direct and/or indirect patient care. She/he will have the knowledge, skill and experience to carry out assignments involving treatments, diagnostic studies, and patient/family education. 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by applicant. (Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). 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 for GS-06 LPN: Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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: Knowledge of ambulatory care nursing with an emphasis on outpatient surgical services. Proficient with computer skills, CPRS and VISTA. Accountable for adherence to and implementation of medical center policy and procedures. Promotes patient safety and seeks to improve quality of care. Ability to administer medications as well as the ability to perform EKGS, phlebotomy, and insertion of foley catheters. Assumes the responsibility for patient care in accordance with JCAHO Standards and recommendations under the direction of the RN. Ability to vary the order and sequence of assigned care based on knowledge of the patient's condition. Reports changes in patient conditions to RN. Ability to perform EBP wound care treatments as directed by providers. Proficient in sterile technique with the ability to assist providers in the minor procedure suite. Proficient in specimen collection and specimen labeling per medical center policy. Ability to assist providers in outpatient clinic procedures including laryngoscopy, cystoscopy. Ability to work independently to perform patient care as described above. Reports to RN concerns or changes in patient condition. Work collaboratively with surgical clinic staff to include: MSAs, RNs, LPNs, MDS, LIPs, residents and medical students. Knowledge and adherence of infection control guidelines and policies. CPR certification References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. ["The LPN performs a wide variety of clinical nursing and supportive duties in Specialty Clinic and is flexible in adapting to work demands and numerous assignments. They serve as an active member of the healthcare team with professional and supportive personnel. The LPN attends meeting with the inter-disciplinary treatment team and contributes to the development and changes in the comprehensive treatment plans. This population-specific care takes into consideration all physical, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Knowledge of ambulatory care nursing with an emphasis on outpatient surgical services. Demonstrates the ability to vary the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on the knowledge of the patient's condition. Assumes the responsibility for patients, in accordance with JCAHO Standards and recommendations, under the direction of the RN. Identifies environmental hazards and initiates appropriate intervention. Adheres to safety regulations and infection control practices as outlined in the policy and procedure manuals. Knowledge of infection control guidelines, and policies. Uses proper body mechanics. Maintains a clean and safe environment. Works cooperatively and courteously with all clinic members. Provides patients and their families with respectful non-judgmental and confidential care. Respects and supports all established policies and interprets them to staff, patients, and visitors. Demonstrates the ability to resolve conflict and to promote harmonious relationships. Interviews scheduled patients and accurately records data according to Specialty Clinic policy. Identifies potential emergencies and collaborates with Specialty Clinic members in affecting an appropriate disposition. Performs diagnostic support duties accurately and proficiently. These duties include, but are not limited to the taking of vital signs, screening patients, performing EKGs, obtaining specimens, and application of equipment as necessary. Assists the specialty clinic provider in the performance of physical examinations. Ability to assist outpatient in outpatient procedures including minor surgical procedures, laryngoscopy, and cystoscopy. Performs treatments in accordance with the nursing procedure manual. Proficient in sterile techniques and Evidence Based Wound Care treatments. Proficient in specimen collection and specimen labeling per medical center policy. Prepares, administers and documents prescribed medications according to nursing service policies and procedures. Instructs Specialty Clinic patients and their families in the action, administration and side effects of medications and the procedure for medication refills. Utilizes available instructional materials. Instructs patients and their families in the preparation for commonly used diagnostic procedures and provides written instructions. Identifies patients at risk for injury and intervenes appropriately. Administers prescribed medications following standard medical center policies. Provides a safe environment and protects patient's rights. Demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations. Demonstrates the ability to determine when changes in patient's conditions are significant enough to notify the immediate supervisor for assistance in decision making and/or determining nursing care. Acts as a role model for other LPN's and Health Technicians. Provides and documents patient/family teaching based on needs identified in the plan of care. Seeks educational opportunities on a continuing basis to promote professional growth. Participates, when appropriate and assigned, in unit research projects. Participates on appropriate committees and promotes both patient safety and quality of care. Provides orientation for new LPN/HT employees as assigned. Works collaboratively with surgical clinic staff to include: MSAS, RNS, LPNS, MDS, LIPs, residents, and medical students. CPR certification. Work Schedule: Full time. Monday-Friday; 8:30a.m - 5:00p.m. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F04288 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not require. Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement. This position is a LIUNA Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by a special rate. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment."]

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