The Licensed Practical Nurse is a float position for all of Primary Care and the Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements (Handbook 5005, part II, Appendix G13) for employment, the following criteria must be met. For the GS-07 level, GS-7. The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. NOTE: Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. to be technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations; to be knowledgeable and have the ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient's condition; to use judgement in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. This knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Completed work should only need a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies and procedures. (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. (b) Knowledge and skills necessary to complete the work: Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in developing educational materials/media. Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care. Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD. Physical Requirements: The work is basically sedentary; there is some walking when covering other clinics within the hospital, retrieving mail, and relaying pertinent information to staff. There is also minimal lifting/bending involved when handling supplies. The work may result in mental stress to the employee due to the nature of the work involving families and patients with life threatening issues which sometimes results in death. Must be able to pass all requirements according to Optional Form 178 (Certificate of Medical Examination).Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. ["Duties include but are not limited too: Prepares and administers prescribed medications, oxygen and inhalation therapy with emphasis on accuracy and safety. Observes for and reports pertinent findings on parenteral fluids. Obtains and assembles equipment for specialized therapies/procedures Performs catheterizations, including straight, indwelling, suprapubic and external. Measures and records vital signs including height and weight. Collects and labels specimens. Verbalizes that pain is measured on a scale of 0-10. Recognizes that all pain is to be reported, documented, treated, and effectiveness of intervention evaluated in a timely manner. Promotes a safe, therapeutic environment adjusting heat, lights, ventilation and furniture Reports and/or corrects safety hazards immediately. Meets the safety needs of the patients taking into consideration the age-related needs. Assists with specialized treatments, therapies, and examinations. Assists in the care of the patient with complex needs both physical and mental Instructs patients and families in such areas as medications, urine testing and ADLs. Contributes to the development of an interdisciplinary treatment plan of care, taking into consideration of each patient's Life Span developmental stage Document data in the medical record following established guidelines. Recognizes and records reports of pertinent or changing patient conditions and behaviors both physical and mental. Recognizes, respond, and assists in psychiatric or medical emergencies initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapeutic interventions for disturbed behavior. Serves as the lead LPN for the area. Completes patient education and health promotion activities independently without the need for readily available supervision. Participates in Quality Improvement activities and performance measure initiatives. Completes unit data collection for designated reports. Serves in the role of primary preceptor for newly assigned LPN staff. Serves as an active member of committees, (such as Pain, Resource Nurse Committee) and task forces as assigned by the Nurse Manager. Serves in the role of primary support person for the Nurse Manager in the implementation of unit specific programs and in the development of educational materials/media. Familiar with procedures within the department and is able to assist other staff. Serves as the liaison for the Safe Patient Handling & Movement program. Specific duties are: a. Monitors and evaluates program at the unit level b. Evaluates staff competency in the use of transfer algorithms. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm OR 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: #91374-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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.
