Career Center

The LPN applies the principles of Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), serves as the clinical associate of the PACT team let and works collaboratively with the expanded interdisciplinary team in the outpatient and clinic setting. The LPN observes, records and reports changes in the patient's condition and assists in the development and revision of patient entered plan of care. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Full, active, current 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. 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). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-6: 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. 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 recognizes and considers emotional , cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. 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 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 LPN or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. Preferred Experience: Long term medical experience References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS6. 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 REVISED: May 2019 4 LPN, GS-6 Hines VA Hospital LPN GS-06 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. ["Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patients' conditions, including ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. Demonstrates 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.\nObserves 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.\nRecognizes subtle deviations from normal inpatient and/or outpatient conditions.\nScreens patients' risk for potential problems related to specific diagnosis and treatment.\nObserves patients for evidence of elder abuse and follows correct reporting procedures.\nRecognizes basic learning needs of patients and families with preventive health and/or discharge as a goal.\nModifies communication/patient education to accommodate hearing, visual and cognitive impairments. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]