The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LPN/LVN also performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran.
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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken 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. Exceptions include health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN. Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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: In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.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. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO. Recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 6. Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required. However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement. The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions.
LPN provides nursing care to patients with chronic, acute, and terminal health problems, with minimal supervision of a registered nurse/provider. Implements basic and advanced LPN procedures as defined by policies and procedures, of WVAMC: a. Collects data on the physical (vital signs, weight, blood work, etc.) and psychological needs of assigned patients and assists in prioritizing immediate needs. b. Recognizes and applies data related to the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and needs from patient, family, significant others, health care providers, and/or agencies in the community c. Safely handles, prepares, administers and records medications and treatments in accordance with policy. d. Recognizes subtle abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and notifies the RN Care Manager (RNCM); promptly seeks the assistance of the RNCM or provider e. Demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations, and to institute emergency measures when indicated f. Based on the patient's goals, provides patient and family health education, and executes skills, such as motivational interviewing to promote patient self-management, prevention and wellness. g. Correctly performs nursing care procedures and performs support duties for complex diagnostic tests and specialized practices. h. Documents care appropriately in CPRS, and clears all clinical reminders; completely performs health history screenings per templated note, completes Preventative Health Screen, Outpatient Surveys . i. Correctly performs venipuncture; centrifuges specimens; labels all lab specimens correctly and completely; packages specimens for transport in accordance with WVAMC Laboratory policies and standards for CBOC employees. j. Promptly and completely documents all pertinent data in appropriate CPRS template FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT or reminder using correct note title and linking the documentation to the correct clinic appointment or consult. k. Reports potential or actual medication errors to supervising RN and provider in a timely manner; follows agency procedures for reporting errors and EPERs. l. Provides patient/family education as appropriate on medication use including desired actions and adverse /allergic reactions. m. Safely handles, prepares, administers and records medications and treatments in accordance with policy; monitors and documents results appropriately in CPRS. Other duties as assigned by supervisory official. S/he is self-motivated in the pursuit of meeting professional work standards. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am- 4:00pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized