The incumbent performs a variety of supportive, nursing and medical tasks necessary to the care of patients during diagnostic and therapeutic visits to the Alamosa VA Clinic. The Licensed Practical Nurse's (LPN) practice is modeled on the standards established within the VHA model for Patient Aligned Care Teams. The incumbent demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. 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. Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or 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. English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in [both] spoken and written English. 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. OR, Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.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 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: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent 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. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles ["The incumbent demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: Be proficient and demonstrate competency and the ability to either set up or reprocess Reusable Medical Equipment as applicable for all equipment for which you have been trained. Demonstrate competency in performing all unit specific nursing interventions and procedures to include but not limited to: Understand and implement the PACT model, PACT Protocols, PACT handbook VHA 1101.10(1), implements, and documents education provided to patients and families. Delivers safe care to assigned patients, while developing technical competencies based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice, VHA Directives, and local policies. Safely and effectively uses patient care equipment. Reports equipment in need of repair. Correctly and safely performs nursing procedures or seeks help when needed. Recognizes overt abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately. Responsible for timely implementation of orders and nursing interventions. Formulates a plan of care based on nursing assessments, using the nursing process, based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice. Completes initial assessment of patient condition and response to treatment and initiates follow-up as needed. Assesses patient's learning needs, learning preference and readiness to learn. Develops and implements a plan to meet learning needs, instructing patients and families in basic health teaching and discharge planning. Documents the nursing process, documentation is consistent, accurate, concise, and timely. Evaluates and documents patient response to interventions and progress towards attainment of goals and expected outcomes. Revises plan of care according to evaluations of patient's responses and outcomes. Uses the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and the Bar Coded Medication Administration (BCMA) software per policy. Demonstrates appropriate and consistent critical thinking skills. The nurse can recognize the patient has a problem and involves the appropriate team members. Maintains role-specific competency checklist complete and is rated competent in all measured areas. Practice follows the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses Treats all patients and families with dignity and respect. Listens to and honors patient and family perspectives and choices. Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and employees. Behavior as a role model is transparent and above reproach. Safeguards patient privacy and maintains confidentiality of all electronic and printed patient information according to HIPAA guidelines, the Privacy Act, and as stated in the Medical Center Memo on ADP Security. Attains proficiency in dealing with ethical issues related to professional nursing practice and behaves in an appropriate manner through observance of established policies of the unit, VA, and professional practice. Demonstrates a commitment to diversity principles by supporting the facility's Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action Programs. Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Demonstrates safe work practices. Complies with safety rules and regulations for safe job performance and fire protection. Adheres to Safe Patient Handling practices for safe body mechanics, use of mechanical devices, and/or requests help when needed in moving, lifting, or turning patients to prevent injury to patient, self or others. Promptly reports all accidents to supervisor and notifies supervisor promptly of unsafe or unhealthy environmental situations/conditions. Corrects safety hazards promptly. Conserves resources effectively by using supplies and equipment in a responsible manner. Follows appropriate standard operating procedures related to the equipment, devices, and work practices that impact or have the potential to impact the environment. Maintains current professional knowledge and skills based on current evidence based practice and applies to practice and care of patients. Participates in unit based educational activities and continuing education opportunities to increase clinical and professional knowledge. Practices and fosters in staff, that access to understandable health information can empower individuals to participate in their health (Patient and Family Centered Care; Planetree). Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center Work Schedule: Various tours of duty Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 57277, 57278, 57279, 57280-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
