This position is for a Licensed Practical Nurse within our Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Program: Domiciliary (DOM) Residential Rehabilitation Program/ Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Program at the Butler VA Medical Center.
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: Written and Spoken Physical Standards: All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to employment may be required. 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. 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. 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Grade Determinations: GS-3 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-4 Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school 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-5 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-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/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 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. 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 LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 10, 2003. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.
Major Duties: Uses sounds clinical judgment, demonstrates the ability to vary the order and sequence of assignments based on patient' conditions and needs. Utilizes knowledge of physical, social and emotional factors when planning patient care and uses this knowledge effectively in day to day interactions with patients and families. Recognizes deviations from normal and demonstrates the ability to respond to patients' immediate and long term needs. Performs complex treatments and procedures with exceptional skill and knowledge. As needed, prepares and administers medications correctly and understands the action and side effects of all medications administered. Performs complex treatments and procedures with exceptional skill and knowledge. Demonstrates age specific competency in delivering nursing care to clients from age 18 and over. Is able to distinguish the health needs related to age differences including the effects of substance abuse problems on the physical health of patients and provide age appropriate care. Participates in Interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings to assist in developing rehabilitative treatment goals for patients in the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Program (MHRRTP) program. As needed, provides escort duties to veterans based on their care needs. Delivers nursing care as needed and directed at any of the two sites comprising the VA Butler Healthcare System, i.e., emergency situation, staffing shortage, special projects. Applies knowledge of effective verbal interventions and preventative tactics when confronted with an aggressive and potentially assaultive patient. Utilizes knowledge of physical, social and emotional factors when planning patient care and uses this knowledge appropriately in emergency situations; during 1 :1 intervention or when 911 needs to be contacted. Recognizes and initiates life saving measures appropriately in the absence of other members of the health care team. Participates in planning and/or implementation of 911 or 1:1 services. Co-conducts groups to educate patients on medical aspects of their care while allowing them to share feelings, improve socialization skills and enhance their self-esteem. Applies knowledge of human behavior and the various degrees of physical and mental impairment, is able to modify patient/family teaching methods. Assists the professional nurse and allied health professionals in planning implementation of patient educational and recreational activities. Motivates patients to participate in learning and recreational activities to improve their quality of life. Recognizes patient care management difficulties or problems and makes suggestions for change. Communicates with residents and families in a calming reassuring and supportive manner. Assesses acute and subtle changes consistently in patients' mental and physical condition and intervenes appropriately. Adjusts assignments or prioritizes care based on his/her assessment of overall workload of the treatment team and patient care needs. Documents patient/resident response to the treatment plan, group therapy, patient education and other planned activities. Observes patient/residents of the MHRRTP per program guidelines and more frequently if clinically indicated. Recognizes and reports signs of physical and emotional abuse of patients, family and significant others. Establishes therapeutic relationships with MHRRTP residents and members of the treatment team. Maintains courtesy during telephone and direct verbal interactions with patient, families and visitors. Has ability to elicit feelings, attitudes and promote positive communication and social skills with patients/residents. Motivates others to support Medical Center/Service Line and MHRRTP policies and procedures. Demonstrates leadership with LPNs of lesser grade, social service assistants and health technicians in planning and implementing resident/patient care. Provides assistance to team members in managing difficult patients when acting as a team leader. Work Schedule: 12:00am- 8:00am; rotating weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required