Career Center

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS-6 functions as a member of the Nursing/Pact Care Services nursing and treatment teams in planning and implementing a full range of practical nursing care for veterans. He/she provides complex age-specific and population specific nursing care for adult and geriatric inpatients or outpatients with physical, mental, behavioral or psychosocial needs, according to assignment and training. 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: a. United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. b. 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. c. 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. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. d. 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) Preferred Experience: IV Certification Med Surg Experience Phlebotomy Experience Grade Determinations:GS-6 (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of [additional] qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent , fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. (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 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. (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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 APRIL 10, 2003 PART II APPENDIX G13 The full performance level of 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, 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, such as annual TB screening or testing, 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. ["Duties include but not limited to: Patient Care activities, as appropriate to assignment\na. Provides for the patient's privacy and safety.\nb. Assists with data collection for outpatients and new admissions. Observes, reports and documents signs and symptoms of patient's general condition. Actively contributes to nursing and/or interdisciplinary team conferences, exchanging information about patient needs and condition, and assists in the nursing management of patients with complex problems. Provides input into the development, implementation and evaluation of the Nursing Care Plan and/or the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care.\nc. Provides direct nursing care to adult and geriatric patients with complex problems according to nursing standards and Medical Center policy and procedure. This includes, but is not limited to: Bathing, showering, oral care, shaving, feeding, turning and positioning, and ambulating. The GS-6 LPN is able to identify/apply age specific considerations, e.g. the geriatric population is prone to dry skin, and requires lubrication, etc. Performs work in a safe manner providing a safe environment for patients, self and other staff, for example, using universal precautions, isolation procedures, and body mechanics. Recognizes and reports potentially hazardous. Following competency verification, performs phlebotomy. Collecting and labeling specimens, e.g. blood, sputum, urine, stool. Providing bowel/bladder training, applying external urinary devices, performing bladder catheterization. Using patient lifting devices, pressure relief mattresses, electronic scales, feeding pumps and IV pumps. Applying protective/supporting devices or restraints under the direction of the RN or medical provider. Applying abdominal binders, anti-embolic stockings, ace bandages, hyper/hypothermia blankets, and alternating pressure boots. Providing post-mortem care per Nursing/Patient Care Services policy and procedure. Administering nasogastric tube feedings. Performs such diagnostic procedures as TPR, B/P, pain screen, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, I&O, heights, weights, finger-sticks, breathalyzer, and EKGs. Recognizes deviations from normal. Documents and reports results to the registered nurse and/or physician. Transcribes doctor's orders as per Medical Center policies and procedures (specific units). Performs narcotic count as per policy/procedure and immediately notifies the Charge RN of discrepancies. Administers oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous medications. Administers immunizations independently upon completion of Immunization competency. Observes, reports and documents patient's response to medication including adverse reactions and possible medication errors. Following competency verification, initiates intravenous therapy and monitors for prescribed rate, patency, infiltration and/or extravasation. Discontinues intravenous infusion when directed by the RN or the physician. Documents and reports findings. Changes peripheral IV and saline lock dressings; changes IV solution administration sets following established protocols; adds maintenance IV fluids (as approved) via mini-bags, prepared by pharmacy, through an existing peripheral line/saline lock. Changes central line/PICC line dressings utilizing sterile technique. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 2:45 pm -11:15 pm, alternating weekends and holidays\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00034-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]