You will collaborate 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.
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. 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. V 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. 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-3. None beyond the basic requirements. [LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license; however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.] GS-4. [Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.] GS-5 (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. (c) Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and [other] supportive personnel [involved in the delivery of] patient care. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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 (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 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 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 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. In addition to performing the duties of a GS-3 PACT LPN, the incumbent demonstrates self-direction in performing an extensive range of nursing care according to established policies and procedures, which includes an expanded scope of practice. The LPN has responsibilities at the level of a GS-3, including nurse health maintenance visits, panel management, answering secured messages, data analysis, provide and assist with patient education, new patient orientation and performance/quality improvement roles. These responsibilities also include being technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. KSAs for a GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. In addition to performing the duties of a GS-4 PACT LPN, the incumbent demonstrates self-direction in performing an extensive range of nursing care according to established policies and procedures, which includes an expanded scope of practice. KSAs for a GS-4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration; (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgement, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. In addition to performing the duties of a GS-5 PACT LPN, the incumbent demonstrates self-direction in performing an extensive range of nursing care according to established policies and procedures, which includes an expanded scope of practice. KSAs for a GS-5: S (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. The LPN at the GS 5 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 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54092F, 54093F, 54094F, 54095F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.