Career Center

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position is located in the Community Living Center (CLC) and is an integral part of a team of nursing staff that provide care to long term care residents, end of life/hospice residents, residents with specific rehabilitation or skilled nursing needs for a limited time frame, and residents with various stages of dementia. The CLC promotes resident centered care and cultural transformation to create a home like environment. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in [both] spoken and written English. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. [Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Exceptions include:] 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. Grade Requirement GS-6: Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. AND 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 APRIL 13, 2003 Physical Requirements: The functional requirements of this position requires heavy lifting, heavy carrying, pushing, extensive pulling, extensive walking, kneeling, repeated bending, The following environmental factors include: possible encounters with slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working with hands in water, irregular hours of work, possible exposure to communicable disease and blood borne pathogens. ["Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Administering medications, catheterizing, irrigating and suctioning residents; Tube feeding and bathing acutely ill residents, providing lifting, turning and oral hygiene Observing residents and reporting gross changes in their vital signs, symptoms and general physical/emotional conditions for inclusion in their care plan Performing treatments such as wound card, making complex sterile dressing changes, maintaining rotating tourniquets; Responding to emergency situations such as cardiopulmonary arrest; Using therapeutic intervention to prevent and control inappropriate and disturbed behavior; Using equipment, materials, medications and supplies in a variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures that support nursing care of all residents; Transcribing physician's orders and records on clinical record Contributing to team planning and development of individualized, interdisciplinary plan of care to facilitate safe, efficient care and transport. Contribute to resident condition report for the tour Assisting to during emergency situations including initiating and/or assisting with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and obtain equipment and supplies as requested by the registered nurse or provider Communicating with both courtesy and good manners in dealing with members of the public, residents and fellow staff members as well as in direct communication through correspondence and publication Adhering to VA policies and procedures and makes frequent reference to them for questions. Work Schedule: 12 Hour Shifts, Rotating Weekends\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Licensed Practical Nurse/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]