The Mental Health License Practical Nurse (LPN) GS-6 is a position under the discipline of Nursing in the Nursing Mental Health Service Line. The Mental Health Clinic LPN meets all the requirements for LPN-5 and performs more complex outpatient assignments. The Mental Health Clinic LPN consistently demonstrates critical thinking, clinical competence and knowledge of the practices and procedures which she/he coordinates interdependently within the clinic.
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: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. 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. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-60, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C. 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: 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 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) physician (MD/DO)] for appropriateness and conformity with establish 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, cultural, spiritual, 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. 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. An LPN[/LVN] who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a 6. Physical Requirements: The position requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and transferring during administration of patient care. In addition, the incumbent must be emotionally stable and adjust to different types of personalities, demonstrating compassion, courtesy, and concern. The incumbent must be able to perform all activities for the position without restriction. This will include work on expanded tours of duty, weekends, and the ability to push supply, medication, and telehealth carts. The LPN 6 must be able to utilize written and verbal communication skills proficiently when communicating with the supervisor and other staff members.
Duties included but not limited to: Review orders and sequence of assigned procedures based on the patient's condition, to use judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines, to accurately report and record significant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by the RN or provider for appropriateness and conformity with established policies and procedures. Observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for nursing, medication, and equipment-assisted care, and to recognize deviations from normal. In modifying care plans, the LPN GS-6 considers physical, emotional, and social factors. Practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations, and reactions to situations. Demonstrated ability to use this knowledge in working effectively with patients, families, and other staff members Makes frequent rounds on patients, noting environment, changes in patient's behavior and/or physical condition. Reports and documents all observed problems and indicates which might have an adverse effect on patients, visitors, or personnel. Initiates appropriate action. Administers oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications. Administers immunizations independently upon completion of Immunization competency. Observes, reports, and documents patient's response to medication including adverse reactions and possible medication errors Performs such diagnostic procedures as TPR, B/P, pain screen, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, I&O, heights, weights, finger-sticks, breathalyzer, and EKGs. Recognizes deviations from normal. Documents and reports result to the registered nurse and/or physician. Transcribes doctor's orders as per Medical Center policies and procedures (specific units). Performs narcotic count as per policy/procedure and immediately notifies the Charge RN of discrepancies. Observes, documents, and reports unpredictable behavior that may lead to violence, potential for injury related to wandering or fall risk. Uses diversional activities to promote restraint-free environment. Under the direction of the registered nurse, uses least restrictive protective supportive device when restraint is ordered. Monitors patients who require group status or 1:1 observation, e.g., suicide precautions, patients with potential for injuring self or others. Documents and reports behavior patterns and changes per Nursing Patient Care Procedure. Performs support duties for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures such as: 1. Provides patient teaching and documents patient health education appropriately. 2. Assuring presence of signed informed consent. 3. Assisting with physical examinations. 4. Assembling supplies and equipment for medical procedures. 5. Setting up and passing instruments using aseptic and/or sterile technique. 6. Monitoring patient's condition and providing follow up care. 7. Caring for, maintaining, and ordering supplies and equipment, including reporting equipment Malfunctions Provides for a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment including work area. Follows all safety policies and procedures including using good body mechanics and wearing personal protective equipment as needed. Participates in performance improvement activities and acts as a leader in unit level performance improvement activities. Presents in-service programs. Gives individual supportive therapy to select patients and families with clinical supervision form the registered nurse (Mental Health only). Co-leads, or in the absence of the group leader, leads patients in small group sessions (in applicable areas). Participation in interdisciplinary treatment and discharge planning with team members. Participates in the provision of basic psychological support for patients who are dealing with denial, grief, hostility, and depression. Promotes patient independence and self-reliance by encouraging participation in decision-making, care plans, and self-care activities. Reports progress and provides positive feedback to patients while focusing on demonstrated strengths. Collaborates with team members to formulate and implement age-specific and population-specific care plans for patients with alterations in body image/self-concept, self-esteem, or role performance. Evaluates and documents results based on subjective and objective observations. Work Schedule: 7:30am to 8pm Compressed Schedule Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Chane of Station (PCS); Not authorized.