Career Center

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more Basic Requirements: United States 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 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 that is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure meets the education requirements. 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 of the US, or District of Columbia. Language Proficiency: Eligible candidates must be proficient in English (spoken and written). Grade Determinations: GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Must have graduated from an approved school 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 Must have graduated 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 AND 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 one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN AND 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 RN/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: Experience of 3 years as LPN. References: VA Handbook 5005. Part II, Chapter 3, 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. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45lbs and over), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, and visual acuity 20/30 correctable. ["This Licensed Practical Nurse position serves Veterans as a Health and Wellness Coach. The Health and Wellness Coach works closely with Veterans, family members, clinicians, to assist the Veteran in achieving their personal goals, to promote healthy lifestyle changes and to foster overall health and well-being. They will champion patient-centered care principles and strategies to empower Veterans to make choices that will optimize health and well-being. The Health and Wellness Coach will be responsible for developing a coaching/mentoring relationship with the patient and assist the patients through a process of actively working toward better health by providing support, encouragement, and education. The Health and Wellness Coach will be knowledgeable of VHA and community resources that may support each Veteran's vision for health and well-being. They will assist with the program needs assessment, recommendations for program design, and evaluation or program outcomes. Together, the Veteran and Health and Wellness Coach will construct a plan to fit the culture and lifestyle of the patient. The LPN should be skilled and technically proficient at starting, implementing and completing assigned duties in providing health and wellness coaching to a variable patient population and staff. They should actively seek out educational opportunities to enhance Nursing and Whole Health knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance Health and Wellness Coaching practice. They should possess Mind-Body Skills to promote self-care and wellness. Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-6 level, duties will include, but are not limited to: Clinical Provides Health and Wellness Coaching to patients in community living center. Leads Mind-Body Skills groups, workshops and individual sessions for patients and staff to promote physical and emotional wellness, decrease burn-out and improve morale, build community across disciplines and train staff in self- stress reduction techniques for use among themselves and with their patients and colleagues. Provides Health and Wellness Coaching and Mind-Body Skills Training though various VHA approved methods that meets the patient need and preference, including telephonic, tele-video, electronic, in-person individual and group settings. Documents care, coaching, and skills training provided, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms, observing changes in patient's condition, personal health preferences and values, and readiness for change (e.g. behavior shifts, motivation, personalized health plan, etc.) Administrative Participates in structured activities (e.g. groups, orientation and diversional activities), based on patient care needs. Participates in the interdisciplinary treatment team meeting process, including sharing observations and patient's responses to interventions, coaching and skills training. Assists in collection of data for quality improvement activities and participates in plans for program improvement. Safeguards the patient's right to privacy and maintains confidentiality of patients in all areas (verbal, written, and computer). Education of patients/employees Provides patient and staff education in relation to Whole Health Coaching and Mind-Body skills in individual and group settings. Provides information and connects veterans to VHA and community resources, and guides veterans to learn about available support tools and resources that will assist in attainment of personal goals. Documents patient education. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 6am - 2:30pm\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Stacy Hermann, the EDRP Coordinator, at v20compensationteam@va.gov for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]