Career Center

A recruitment may be authorized for highly qualified candidates This position will travel from West Clinic to Baraboo, Beaver Dam, and Central. Duty station will be at West Clinic To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: U.S. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Must be a graduate of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing at the time the program was completed by the applicant. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) English Language Proficiency:Must be proficient in both spoken and written English. 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). Licensure: Must have a full, current, active and unrestricted license as a graduate licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or District of Columbia. This is required in order to hold a position as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the Federal Government. (COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED) In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must meet the following GRADE REQUIREMENTS: GS-3 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS Must have completed six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Graduation 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) GS-5 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS Must have one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent that includes: 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 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS Must have 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. ["The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. Primary function of the role will serve as a nurse vaccinator and provide respiratory testing in Northern Tier clinics When not testing and vaccinating, will serve as an LPN on a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) in Primary Care Completion of pertinent clinical reminders and preventative health screenings. Documents all data collected and nursing care provided in the Veterans electronic medical record. Reports all relevant patient information to Clinic RN or provider. Prioritizes effectively and manages time productively in the clinical setting. Works effectively with others and communicates in an appropriate, tactful and courteous manner. Attends clinic safety huddles daily. Assist providers with exams/procedures and serves as a chaperone. Perform treatments and procedures such as electrocardiograms, vital signs, weights, blood glucose readings, bladder scans, ear flushes, and compression stockings based on documented competency. Track and administer required immunizations. Administer ordered medications in accordance with Medical Center and Nursing Service policy and monitors for any side effects. Assists with specimen collection and processing for transport. Participate in the management and follow up of patient care needs and requests. Initiate procedure preparations, adapting them to patients physical and emotional needs before, during and after procedures, observing and managing therapeutic or possible complications resulting from the procedure. Knowledgeably initiates and performs nursing measures to prevent complications by recognizing deviations and/or changes in patient's conditions. Recognizes and responds/initiates emergency measures. Responds promptly to emergency situations in the clinic including but not limited to administering CPR. Perform venipuncture and specimen collection and preparing specimens for storage and/or transport after specific training. Demonstrate and apply the use of VA computer system efficiently and safety adhering to facility and VA Policies. Participation in daily PACT team huddles and meetings. Maintains positive and constructive professional working relationship with patients, families, medical staff, volunteers, and co-workers. Additional clinic duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday- days, Shift could include some evenings/weekends/holidays\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]