LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Augusta, GA seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to provide comprehensive nursing care in the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (domiciliary) unit.

The LPN will administer medications, perform suicide risk screenings, and deliver individual and group education to Veterans. The role requires graduation from an approved practical nursing program and an active LPN/LVN license.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of a practical or vocational nursing program approved by the state agency and/or NLNAC-accredited.
• Full active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in the U.S. or DC.
• Experience in mental health or medical-surgical care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, Veteran-centered care in the domiciliary unit.
• Administer prescribed medications and monitor patient responses.
• Conduct suicide risk screenings and report changes to RN/MD.
• Deliver one-on-one and group education to patients and families.
• Assist in developing and implementing patient care plans with the care team.

Skills

Patient care

Medication administration

Suicide risk screening

Patient education

Education

Practical/Vocational Nursing Diploma

Job description

Summary

This position primarily serves Veteran on the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (domiciliary) unit. The LPN will care for the unique physical - emotional - and psychological needs of patients admitted to the Domiciliary to include but not limited to providing one - on - one and group education - medication administration - and suicide risk screenings.

Qualifications

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
• (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) 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
• 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 Grade Determinations: GS-6 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
• 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/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 - 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 5 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
• Preferred Experience: Mental health and medical surgical experience preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is a 6
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) - GS-6 provides full-performance level practical nursing care to Veterans with diverse physical and behavioral health needs
• The nurse delivers high-quality - Veteran-centered care under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee - requiring advanced technical competence and minimal supervisory review for compliance with established policies and procedures
• Duties may include but are not limited to
• Clinical Care & Patient Support Deliver technically proficient nursing care for variable patient populations - applying clinical judgment to select appropriate procedures and treatment sequencing
• Recognize - report - and accurately document relevant patient information throughout the care episode
• Participate in the development and implementation of patient care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team
• Medication Administration & Treatments Prepare and administer prescribed medications - including oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular - and IV (where permitted)
• [LPN Perform treatments according to established procedures - monitor patient responses - and promptly report abnormalities to the RN or provider
• Emergency & Critical Response Identify urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiate appropriate emergency interventions under the direction of the RN or MD/DO
• Diagnostic & Specialized Procedure Support Prepare patients for complex diagnostic exams and specialized procedures - assist clinicians - and manage specialized instruments and equipment
• Serve as a preceptor to orient and train less-experienced LPNs/LVNs - NAs - or HTs
• Patient Interaction & Customer Service Establish constructive - therapeutic relationships with patients and families - promoting dignity - privacy - communication - and socialization
• Treat all patients - visitors - volunteers - and staff with courtesy - tact - and respect while supporting Medical Center mission and service standards
• Age-Specific & Veteran-Focused Care Provide care appropriate to adult and geriatric populations - incorporating cognitive - emotional - and developmental factors
• Apply knowledge of age-related changes - lifestyle needs - and Veteran population differences to ensure safe - individualized care
• Documentation & Compliance Thoroughly document all patient care as part of the care-planning process and maintain compliance with VHA documentation standards
• Protect sensitive patient information in accordance with the Privacy Act - federal regulations - and VHA guidelines
• Professional Development Seek educational opportunities to enhance clinical knowledge and share new insights with colleagues to strengthen nursing practice
• Physical Requirements Perform duties requiring walking - standing - lifting - bending - kneeling - and extended periods of direct patient care
• Follow safe patient handling and mobility protocols Work Schedule: 3:30pm-12:00am Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• 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 #: 60948F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized