The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will be assigned to Diagnostic Imaging and work closely with VA Physicians and Caregivers, and Non-VA Care/Community Care team members. The incumbent functions as the LPN/Radiology in the Radiology department under the administrative and supervisory oversight of the Chief of Imaging Service.
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. Education or Training. Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State Agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by the applicant; OR received health care education/training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualified for full LPN/LVN licensure. 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. [NOTE: YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR LICENSE NUMBER OR SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT LICENSURE WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE]. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Grade Determination GS-6 Experience One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-05 level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN: 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 and 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. 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: A minimum of one year of experience in nursing. Physical Requirements: The incumbent is required to be able to stand or walk for long periods of time. There is some bending, transferring, and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as equipment or wheelchairs and stretchers. The incumbent must be able to lift and move patients to difficult positions on the examination table. The incumbent will be using multiple computer systems, using both mouse and keyboard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. References: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Major duties and responsibilities include but not limited to: Provide quality nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran population of varying complexity in modalities for Diagnostic Imaging Service. Carries out the most complex practical nursing care assignments with patients ranging in age from young adulthood to the senior years of life. Conducts medical reviews and following Veterans care in-house and in the community. Resolve a range of nursing problems, and complete assignments with a high quality of care while interacting with patients, visitors and other VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System employees. Conduct medical reviews for veterans, communicate with providers, complete consults, and authorizations of care to be provided, and complete packages which include printing documents, faxing, and/or scanning documents. Acts as a liaison between Diagnostic Imaging Service, VA ordering providers, and Office of Community Care. Reviews past breast history for timeliness of exams, and obtaining previous images and reports in relation to exams currently being scheduled. Ensures timeliness of Diagnostic Imaging Service result letters to patients. Utilize computer software such as CPRS, VISTA, MS Word, and Excel, by managing data collection, retrieval and tabulation of statistics in support of mammography tracking, and collaboration with breast care navigators and managers. Provides program and technical assistance in the areas of day-to-day operations and program planning/evaluation for the radiology department. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: XXXXX-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required