Career Center

The LPN serves as a responsible member of the Primary Care Clinic in the Nursing Service located at the Albany VA Medical Center with complex patients and provides care to them on a regular and recurring basis. The incumbent completes assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing nonstandard and specialized activities at the GS 6 level, requiring broad work experience, and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of problems. 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.? 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).? 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. (See education section of this announcement) Preferred Experience: Outpatient clinic experience Grade Determinations: GS-6: Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience (total of 2 years) at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. Must also meet the following: 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. 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 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, 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 GS-6. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (35 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (35 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours);Standing (up to 4 hours); Kneeling (up to 2 hours); Repeated bending (up to 4 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable to 20/20 in one eye and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional/Mental stability. ["The duties of the LPN include, but are not limited to: Participates in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care by interviewing patients of variable populations, performing a general systems appraisal of the patient's condition, and collecting objective and subjective data. Collaborates with the Registered Nurse/Provider in developing and implementing a plan of care individualized to carry out the needs of the patient. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient's treatment and follow-up health care. Collaborates with members of other services regarding changes in patients' condition, laboratory results, responses to treatment plan and other pertinent parameters of care. Uses 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. Modifies the plan of care in accordance with recognized nursing standards and prescribed treatment. Meets patients' needs by direct physical care and psychosocial intervention and by assuming responsibility for nursing management of unstable patients whose nursing care needs are not predictable. Utilizes 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. Makes necessary judgments prior to preparing and administering prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous), recognizing side effects and contraindications, and promptly and accurately documents noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Provides patient/significant other instruction regarding common medications. Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the patient, patient education, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing specimens, preparing and passing instruments, and monitoring the patient's condition. Recognizes emergency situations, responding promptly and instituting appropriate actions. Supports the patient and/or family members/significant other in the integration of the patient care plan toward achievement of discharge objectives. 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. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs and actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm with potential for off-tour and weekends. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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