Join us in shaping the future at the brand-new James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center! We're seeking talented Allied Health professional to make a difference in Veteran care. In 2021, Congress approved federal funding for a new Veterans Hospital in Tulsa which will be the first hospital to be built under the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016. This announcement is open until September 26, 2025.
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. 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. 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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). 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. 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-7 Licensed Practical Nurse Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN and that has provided the following: Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans. Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels. Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. ( Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions. This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision. Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in developing educational materials/media. Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice. Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care. Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas. Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO. In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level, the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff. Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Individuals in these positions are, to a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This vacancy is above the full performance level (GS-6). Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Tulsa (James Mountain Inhofe VAMC) - https://youtu.be/3fMEu0iS7_Q?si=Y5RtGcnKKbJGxxk6 VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Possesses the knowledge and skills to carry out specialized patient care activities, using veteran data to actively contribute to care plans. Observes and intervenes to maintain or improve optimal function, working collaboratively with RNs and HCPs. Understands program regulations and follows guidelines to meet nursing program requirements. Contributes to the development and updating of individualized care plans, with general RN/MD review. Prepares/administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, SC, IM, IV) and documents effects or adverse reactions. Reports physical/emotional changes in health, takes appropriate actions, and recommends interventions as needed. Prioritizes care and responds to emergent changes, using strong assessment skills and notifying appropriate personnel. Communicates effectively with veterans, families, interdisciplinary team, and support staff. Applies techniques for managing complex patients with challenging behaviors to promote optimal outcomes. Performs and documents care independently and accurately, modifying based on significant team input or patient needs. Practices environmental stewardship by minimizing waste and following sustainability protocols. Supports the team in monitoring unlicensed and non-clinical staff to ensure safe patient care. Professional Development / Education Seeks ongoing education, attends in-services, and participates in training to stay current with LPN practice. Completes all mandatory reviews and actively participates in unit-based committees or workgroups. Serves as a role model and assists in orienting staff, students, and veterans/families. Safety Recognizes and responds to emergencies appropriately and independently. Maintains a safe, therapeutic environment, following age-specific and infection control guidelines. Identifies/report hazards and initiates corrective measures when appropriate. Work Habits Demonstrates ethical, professional behavior with staff, patients, and families. Maintains flexibility and positively adjusts to assignment/location changes. Reflects VA mission, vision, and values in all interactions. Advanced Practice & Telehealth Demonstrates nursing practice with remote RN/MD supervision. Accurately administers medications and observes for reactions. Prioritizes and modifies care needs based on assessments and patient response. Independently contributes to treatment plans and complex care with minimal supervision. Performs Telehealth imaging (e.g., teleretinal, telederm, telewound) and initiates consults per standing orders. Facilitates Telehealth services (e.g., Telemental Health, Tele-rehab, primary care) and coordinates scheduling/logistics. Uses Telehealth tech and scheduling tools to connect patients and providers effectively. Assists in education, training, documentation, and workload capture related to Telehealth visits. Collects vital signs and other clinical data as part of Telehealth or in-person visits. Maintains equipment, performs quality control, and supports daily Telehealth clinic operations. Clinical Care & Supervision Delivers personal care, diagnostics, and treatments in a timely manner under RN supervision. Responds to physical and emotional patient needs, involving family in the care process. Demonstrates the ability to care for patients requiring complex care, with remote RN oversight. Independently plans/organizes care assignments and guides other LPNs or Nursing Assistants. Work Schedule: Full-time, All shifts are primarily Monday-Friday but may include rotating shifts on weekends and holidays. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 623-50576-A