The Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS-6 functions as a member of the health care team by demonstrating an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills necessary for self-direction in carrying out complex practical nursing care assignments within the CBOCs and Specialty Clinics for a Veteran population with a variety of health 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. a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. 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. c. 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. d. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. e. English Language Proficiency. 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: 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 [(a) 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. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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. (d) 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 , socio-economic, and age-related] factors. [(e) 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. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) 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. (i) 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. (j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: Primary Care. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the 06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The incumbent collaborates with a PACT team to provide complex/specialized patient-centered care to a panel of approximately 1200 patients taking into consideration patients' ages, cultural backgrounds, education level, and any other special needs. The panel population is multi-faceted, including geriatric patients, patients from all war-time eras, female patients, and patients with complex psychiatric needs. The LPN completes assigned duties and responsibilities that involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities requiring broad nursing knowledge, experience, and skills to address a wide range of care needs. The LPN at the GS 6 level must exercise independent judgment and requires minimal supervisory oversight. Supervisory oversight for the PACT LPN is the CBOC Nurse Manager. The incumbent is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment plans. He/she must also possess the ability to observe subtler physical and emotional changes in patients, exercise sound nursing judgement, and demonstrate appropriate action based on those observations. The LPN must possess the knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent/emergent patient care situations, seek team assistance as appropriate, and effectively intervene to assure the delivery of safe patient care. The activities of the incumbent are governed in accordance with relevant VHA, VISN and facility regulations, standards, and guidance including telehealth operations manuals, guidelines, and specialty supplements. These activities shall be consistent with national, VISN, and facility level policies and procedures; and support national, VISN, and facility strategic goals. Completed work is under the general supervision of MD or other assigned personnel. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of a more complex practice or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. In addition, the LPN possesses the knowledge and skills to maintain BLS certification and all mandatory competencies and reviews. This is an advanced level PACT LPN position. The incumbent will monitor and capture workload credit, develop reporting procedures and participate in performance improvement activities aimed at improving patient care access and PACT team processes. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54095F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.