Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Fort William Henry Harrison (MT); On-site; USD 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an LPN/LVN to provide quality nursing care and outstanding customer service for veterans in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities include basic patient care, documentation in the EHR, and collaboration with RNs and physicians to support safe, effective care in an outpatient environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
• Licensure as LPN/LVN in US territory or DC.
• English language proficiency (spoken and written).
• No restrictions on licensure per facility policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic nursing care under RN/MD supervision.
• Assist with daily patient care and comfort measures.
• Document care and patient responses in the EHR.
• Collaborate with healthcare team to ensure quality care.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Team collaboration

Medical terminology

EHR proficiency

Education

Graduate of approved practical/nursing program

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care - positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LPN/LVN also performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care - outstanding customer service - and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed
• Education
• Candidates must be a 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
• 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
• GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-4 Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• or 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• 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 Experience
• Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
• The following KSAs are required at the GS-5 grade level for the LPN
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes - medication - and /or prescribed treatment regimes
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact [in an appropriate manner] with patients - family members - professional and [other] supportive personnel [involved in the delivery of] patient care - [incorporating acceptable - established customer service standards into practice
• 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
• 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
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• 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 Experience
• Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The following KSAs are required at the GS-6 grade level for the 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/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: 1-2 years of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) experience in an outpatient clinic setting
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with patients - families and interdisciplinary team
• Skilled in managing multiple electronic health programs
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Completes focused data collection using all clinical reminders as outlined in the clinical guidelines and standing order policy
• Performs pre-visit phone calls to prepare patients for upcoming appointments by reviewing necessary information - ensuring an efficient clinic visit for both the patient and provider
• Maintains clinic workflow by screening patients in a timely manner and assisting other teams when needed is essential
• Coordinates care after appointments when necessary and utilizes health coaching during pre-visit phone calls or clinic visits to help patients identify or achieve their goals
• Collects data from unscheduled patients and telephone calls when needed and contribute to the secure messaging process - appropriately forwarding messages - as necessary
• Provides health education on self-management - prevention - and wellness to patients and their families is a key responsibility - as is interacting and communicating appropriately with patients using motivational interviewing or health coaching techniques
• Adheres to standards of practice and safe techniques in administering medications - including immunizations and injections - and perform procedures and treatments such as EKG - AccuCheck - phlebotomy - bladder scanning - and ear lavage
• Interacts and collaborates professionally with coworkers - team members - and internal customers - demonstrating initiative in assisting the core and expanded teams
• Attends and participates in team huddles and weekly team meetings - they contribute to developing comprehensive healthcare plans for patients assigned to their panel
• Ensures medication and supply expiration dates are checked regularly - maintaining patient privacy according to hospital policy - and keeping the work area in accordance with Joint Commission standards are crucial environmental responsibilities
• Follows specific guidelines covering all aspects of work assignments - including policies - standard operating procedures - and plans of care
• Responsible for actively participating in quality improvement initiatives and maintaining ongoing education to stay current with best practices and clinical standards
• Identifying and addressing any potential hazards or issues in patient care
• Serves as an advocate for patients - ensuring they receive the highest level of care and support
• Effective time management and organizational skills are essential to balance multiple tasks efficiently while providing patient-centered care
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems and familiarity with telehealth practices are also beneficial in supporting innovative approaches to healthcare delivery
• Other Duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00AM - 4:30PM Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 436-52837-A - 436-52838-A - 436-52839-A - 436-52840-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized