Location: Columbia, South Carolina, South Carolina
Salary: Open
Categories:
General Nursing
Internal Number: 789446500
This is a general announcement for the LPN position at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Positions available can be for any unit/service of the hospital and will be discussed during your interview. This is an open continuous announcement accepting application until September 30, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. 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 accredited by 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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for the GS-6 grade level. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-6. (a) Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) Establishes constructive 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. (i) 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. (j) 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: Preferred 1 year ambulatory or clinic experience as a LPN; possess communication skills and customer service etiquettes; ability to work cohesively with colleagues and others in the health care setting: 1 year Long Term Care. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II Appendix G-13. 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: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. ["The job duties of an LPN include but are not limited to: Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. The LPN performs, reports, and documents assigned nursing care in the Primary Care Clinics for both in person and virtual care modalities, including, but not limited to: Oxygen administration if applicable. Adhere to the PACT Nursing Protocols within scope of practice. Medication administration to include immunizations. Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated. Check expiration dates of meds and supplies. Delegated procedures and treatments. Documentation. Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Monitors patient during the procedure. Promote whole health initiatives to include but not limited to: Tele-MOVE, Guided Imagery Conduct chart audits as assigned. Participates in performance. Facilitates Clinical Video Technology appointments. Check in and Check out Veterans on daily basis. Collaborates with PACT team review future appointments. Participates in daily huddles. Secure Messaging with appropriate response and recommendation within scope. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, can be Assistant Nurse Manager or Nurse Manager. Adheres to standards of practice and safe techniques in preparation and administration of medication. Demonstrates understanding of age and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance, and effectively intervenes as directed when appropriate. Based on the patient's goals and as assigned by the RN, provides patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention, and wellness. Interacts and communicates appropriately with patients and family members incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. Possesses knowledge and demonstrates proficiency in the proper handling and pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment. Demonstrates competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety, security measures. Actively assists in the Teamlet and expanded Teams. Will serve as a surrogate LPN as needed. Participates in performance improvement initiatives and strives to evaluate the practice standards in the clinic. Assists in the orientation of students, peers, and clerical staff. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written and/or verbal patient information. Maintains a work environment that honors diversity. Serves as an advocate in the protection of patient and family rights. Completes mandatory reviews for health coaching in order to encourage patient self-management toward individualized life plan of care. Uses broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures to support patient-driven care in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner using evidenced based principles. Promotes patient and personnel safety. Work Schedule: Varying tours, some tours may include alternating weekends. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP: Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.