Career Center

The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of the Registered Nurse and or physician with minimal supervision and is accountable to the Clinic Nurse Manager. The incumbent demonstrates self-direction and critical thinking skills in carrying out simple to the most complex practical nursing care assignments for variable patient populations. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. 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: GS-6 Licensed Practical Nurse Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13 ["Performs complex practical nursing skills with precision and efficiency, consistent with Medical Center policy and procedure and within the legal and ethical responsibilities of his/her licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse Performs specialized practical nursing activities requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of nursing problems Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide safe and individualized nursing care to patients with difficult, complex and rapidly changing physiological and/or emotional needs Capable of initiating appropriate actions based on his/her observations of the patient's condition, seeks assistance from MD/PA/NP/RN when needed and intervenes as directed Demonstrates ability to use judgment to plan and organize assignments with minimal assistance and directions Completes assignments and assists others as needed and demonstrates the ability to effectively manage patient flow to maintain timeliness of appointments Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular) and performs treatments according to established policies and procedures Observes for changes in patient condition, caused by medications, treatments, and procedures Records and reports these observations and reports any deviation from normal to the MD/PA/NP/RN Demonstrates knowledge and skills 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 and other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during and following the procedure Serves as a resource person for other staff within the organization and serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating and training less experienced LPNs and shares knowledge, experience, and skills with co-workers in the form of structured in-services and interactions Independently seeks out educational opportunities to enhance their nursing practice Reinforces instructions given by the MD/PA/NP/RN regarding medications, pre­ procedure instructions and reviews learning assessments (past initial assessment by the RN) Demonstrates the ability to recognize and initiate emergency measures (to include psychiatric emergencies) and demonstrates the ability to assist in resuscitation procedures during cardiac and respiratory arrest Utilizes nursing protocols with attention to the individuality of patients, patient safety and evidence-based practice Demonstrates the ability to manage video/telephone, secure messaging communications to include disease management, medication management, pre or postoperative care etc Assists in care coordination and access for all ambulatory care through communication and placing consult per nursing protocols Follows all policies and procedures regarding appropriate specimen collection, laboratory results, critical values/parameters and follow up protocols in collaboration with providers Utilizes teaching materials to promote self-reliance and independence, including methods to prevent complications and facilitate recovery Reinforces instruction provided by other health care professionals Encourages patient and family to attend educational classes such as diabetes, hypertension, nutrition, and weight management Acts as resource person for patient and families regarding discharge instructions and home care Initiates and completes clinical reminders in CPRS as appropriate for Ambulatory Care patients Consistently documents pertinent observations and nursing procedures performed and their effectiveness Accurately documents prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies and procedures Readily seeks assistance and guidance by consultation with MD/PA/NP/RN about changes in patient's conditions that requires a higher level of intervention Demonstrates working practices that include adherence to Infection Control standards and the safe use and operation of equipment Demonstrates knowledge of universal precautions, medical asepsis and sterile technique with ability to correctly apply these principles and techniques to a variety of patient care situations and to assist others to do so Demonstrates competence in the care and handling of critical and non-critical RME Possess knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations and ability to appropriately utilize the knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members and other staff Preferred: 2-3 years of recent Outpatient Medical Specialty Clinic experience\nWork Schedule: 9 Hour Shifts, Monday - Friday 7:30a-5pm with every other Friday off Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]