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This Practical Nurse position is in Nursing services at the Boston VA Healthcare System, located at the Lowell/Bedford Specialty Clinics location. This position is a full-time at 40 hours per week. 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. 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 (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). Preferred Experience: 1 year of nursing experience preferred and prior clinic or outpatient experience preferred. Grade Determinations: LPN GS-03: None beyond the basic requirements. LPN GS-04: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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. LPN GS-05: 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. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel patient care. 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. LPN GS-06: 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/ Part II Appendix G13. Dated 4/10/03. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Will review report of patient's condition and other pertinent data, using judgement in selecting the appropriate application of procedures and guidelines. Promotes patient participation in the therapeutic community with the goal of fostering self-reliance and independence. Prepares patients for off/on unit complex diagnostic procedures. May assist in these procedures and provide support for patients having such procedures. Demonstrates ability to make recommendations on changes in the comprehensive treatment plan based upon observations, analysis of patient's condition and response to the current plans. Assumes responsibility for designated unit in accordance with JCAHO Standards and recommendations, with an RN ultimately responsible. Considers physical, emotional and social factors, and documents patient's condition and changes noted. Demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations. Demonstrates 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. Incumbent works under the direction of the Nurse Manager. Incumbent is accountable for the delivery of care to patients with variety of physical needs. Utilizes the nursing process in managing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the patient's individual plan of care with the interdisciplinary team. Utilizes CPRS, JLV and Teams. Maintains a safe and dignified environment Work Schedule: Days shift, example 8am to 4:30pm or 7:30am to 4pm. Compressed/Flexible: Available, eight 9 hour tours, one 8 hour tour, and one tour off BIWEEKLY. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS0168/03691/04521/03885 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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