Under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse the Licensed Practical Nurse functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the RN in the care of patients in acute, subacute, or chronic states of illness. The incumbent delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies. This position is to perform a very wide range of patient personal care, support diagnostic services, and chart activities on a regular and continual basis. Duties and or responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: Supports diagnostic procedures, performs support duties for complex diagnostic test and or specialized practices or procedures. Prepare patients; assist with diagnostic exam, preparing specimens; preparing and passing instruments; monitor the patient's condition before, during, and after the procedure; and perform phlebotomy. Assist with technical nursing treatments. Nurses must master equipment used to stabilize and monitor patients, including: electrocardiogram (EKG) machines, oxygen tanks, nasal cannula tubing, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeter, ear flushes, administer a variety of injections in a timely manner, and ensure the procedure is documented. Provide care that incorporates the age, gender, culture, and learning needs of patients requiring basic planning and evaluation of care - Incorporates cultural sensitivity into the care of all Veterans, being cognizant of the diverse population of Veterans from all adult ages, eras, and conflicts. Apply infection control measures appropriately in delivering care. Practices hand hygiene per policy; using hand sanitizers; good hand washing; donning gloves for procedures, as appropriate; cleaning equipment, examination tables, and chairs with Cavi-wipes; and ensures masks are worn by Veteran when droplet precautions are warranted. Communicate with team members regarding patient care. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team (IDT) in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the patient's treatment and discharge plan. Collaborates with members of other services regarding changes in patient's condition, laboratory results, responses to treatment plan, and other pertinent parameters of care. Participates in Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) team huddles with provider, PACT RN, and clerk on a regular basis. Keeps provider on schedule with clinic appointments. Adhere to ethical and principles and standards in delivering care. Promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient. Protect all patient information by securing documents and protecting computer screens from the view of others. Practices with respect for autonomy of the Veteran, exercising fairness, truthfulness, and justice. Enter information into patients' records/charts. Triage notes include vital signs, reminders, and patient input/responses. Follows process to ensure that notes from other disciplines, outside providers, and hospitals, are scanned into the patient's record. Prepares and administers prescribed medications, performing treatments according to established policies. Observes for physical and emotional change in Veteran's condition; tests blood glucose, using POC testing with glucometer; ear flushes; and phlebotomy. Use effective communication skills with co-workers to achieve desired patient outcomes. Prioritizes patient requests received via telephone, social media, or face-to-face. Provide teaching to patients, educating patients and significant others in their medical condition, prescribed medications, equipment, treatments, and activity level. Documents patient education and patient response. Provides Veteran with contact information for the clinic, their team members, and access via secure messaging. Performs additional duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Lebanon VA Medical Center is a major interdisciplinary teaching facility, serving medical and surgical inpatients and outpatients. The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. 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, pushing, lifting 45 pounds or more, reaching above the shoulder, frequent pushing medication carts; and use finger and both and hand and legs. 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 incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The incumbent must be able to navigate all areas of the facility, use a keyboard, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary, as well as direct others to perform it, and perform other activities of the position without any restrictions.
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
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