Career Center

The PACT LPN functions under the supervision of an RN on all tours of duty. This LPN is accountable to the designated Nurse Manager for the provision of technical nursing care. He/she is responsible for individual nursing actions and competence within the scope of his/her license, the guidelines of this functional description, the general rules of conduct per the Employee Handbook, and the policies, procedures, and guidelines of this Patient Care Service and Montana VA Health Care System. 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. Licensure: Must possess a 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. (COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED) Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade GS-03: None beyond basic requirements. GS-4: Six 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR, Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) GS-5: 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. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs 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-06: Completion of at least 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. 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 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: Unrestricted LPN License; completion of LPN program References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 VA Qualification Standards The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS03 to GS06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Requires potential long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders, must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: Protects patient and staff information and personal privacy, following confidentiality, privacy, and security regulations, and promotes information security in the work unit. Provides for patient rights such as privacy, dignity, and respect regardless of social or economic status, age, race, religion, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems and promotes respect for patient rights in the work unit. Adheres to standards of nursing practice. Projects a positive image of the VA. Provides clerical support/desk management only as needed. Completes all facility and unit mandatory training and competencies. Utilizes proper body mechanics in performance of job responsibilities and promotes patient and staff safety in the work unit. Maintains familiarity with equipment in use in the work area. Demonstrates consistent self-motivation to see what needs to be done and to do it without being told to do so, within the LPN scope of practice. 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, Licensed Independent Practitioner, or MD. In delivering care, the LPN recognizes and adapts nursing care to meet individual emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Identifies educational needs to Nurse Manager. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal), and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes. Documents all observations, treatments, and nursing care provided in the computer record (VISTA, Uses the SBAR handoff communication tool for effective communication between the interdisciplinary team and competently uses the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and any additional systems as directed by the VA Montana Health Care System per policy. Establishes constructive relationships with individuals, to include patients, families, and co-workers. Review of daily schedules and responsible for minor adjustments to the Primary Care schedules. Attendance and participation in daily huddles. Assisting with triage (face to face and phone). Accurate documentation including completion of clinical reminders and accurate encountering. Completes pre-visit phone calls. Provides group and individual education Demonstrates consistent, expert competence in practical nursing tasks. Recognizes emerging difficult customer service situations and intervenes appropriately, resolving the emerging problem or assisting the person to utilize other resources in the facility. Contributes to a Healthy Work Environment (HWE) using skilled communication. Serves as a resource and advocate in the protection of patient and family rights. Handles conflict and problem in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Demonstrates understanding of population specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veterans in Primary Care. Demonstrates 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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergency patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed in any emergency situation. Demonstrates, adheres to, and promotes safe practices including: Use of infection control equipment (Personal Protective Equipment), infection control policies/procedures, and universal precautions. Use of proper body mechanics and safety equipment (i.e., lifts). Provides safe care and conserves resources effectively. Adheres to all requirements in regard to reusable medical equipment. Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52837,52838,52839,52840-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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