This position will report directly to the Manager, Surgical/Specialty Clinics. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provide direct patient care and perform all duties within the scope of their license. The LPN delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies. Duties will primarily be performed in the Surgical/Specialty Clinics; however, re-assignment may be required based on patient care needs.
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) and 7407(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 Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who was 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. OR Individual granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, 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-03 - None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-04 - Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-05 - Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. 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. Knowledge and skill sufficient to 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. Knowledge and ability to 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. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. GS-06 - 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. 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 a 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, 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. 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-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Preferred Experience: Preoperative patient education and sterile set up for small clinic procedures. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Functional Statement #: Licensed Practical Nurse, T38 Hybrid - GS-0620-03T6 Appendix G13 Major Duties Include but not limited to: Explains procedures to patients, using language which they understand and displaying consideration of individual age related and gender specific patient needs. Responds to patients calls for assistance promptly and interacts with the patient in a tactful, courteous manner, making customer service the focus of all interactions. Communicates and works effectively with other members of the health care team, unit staff, patients, and visitors. Orients patients to the clinic. Provides emotional support to patients and families/significant others to assist them in adjusting to changes brought about by illness or change in health status. Completes assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing non standard and specialized practical nursing activities, requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of nursing problems. Accurately report and record significant patient information and uses good judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines, varying the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on the patients' condition. 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. Recognizes emergent or acute situations, responds appropriately, and reports to the RN or provider promptly. Reports all untoward patient incidents, including medication errors, to Charge Nurse/Nurse Supervisor, and initiates patient incident report. Respond appropriately to emergency situations including cardiopulmonary arrest, choking, and disaster or fire drills. Performs the most complex treatments and procedures according to policy, including but not limited to: dressings, catheterizations, bladder scanning, weights, and vital signs. Collects specimens for laboratory analysis. Sets up for and performs treatments that require auxiliary equipment. Adheres to and appropriately utilizes the Safe Patient Handling Program standards, practices, and recommendations. Lifts, transfers, and repositions patients safely, according to policy and procedure, seeking assistance when appropriate, to prevent injury to the patient and self. Demonstrates ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient treatment plan and promotes patient participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence. Verifies that all medical records, including radiology and laboratory results are available for visits according to schedule. Matches encounter forms to medical records. Coordinates obtaining missing medical records. Properly labels all forms with correct patient identification. Provides administrative support to the professional staff and restocks supplies as needed. Prepares forms and medication profiles, reviews medical records to determine that eligibility, obtains or updates patients' identification information. Assists in arranging travel if applicable. Laboratory, radiology, consultations, and other miscellaneous requests will be prepared and scheduled as ordered by the physician. Medical records will be reviewed following patient encounters to assure necessary action has been taken to comply with clinician's written orders. Follows environmental policies and procedures related to the Erie VAMC GEMS program, recycling, and the safe use, handling and disposal of chemical products. Supports the Environment of Care Management Program by completing scheduled training on safety, health, environmental and fire protection requirements related to their assigned tasks; following safe work practices and procedures, including the use of appropriate equipment, and any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) item; recognizing and reporting unsafe and unhealthful conditions, initiating prompt corrective action, and promptly reporting work-related injuries or illnesses to supervisory personnel. Supports and actively participates in initiatives such as ICARE and Patient Centered Care. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized