Licensed Practical Nurse

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Wilmington, NC seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to provide direct patient care and support under supervision.

The role emphasizes high-quality nursing care, patient safety, and outstanding customer service in a veteran-focused environment. The LPN/LVN will perform routine nursing duties, assist in examinations and treatments, document patient information, and collaborate with RNs and physicians to ensure effective care

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing program.
• Full active current LPN/LVN license in the United States.
• English language proficiency as required by VA policy.
• United States Citizenship or equivalent as required for VA employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to diverse veteran patient populations.
• Observe, document, and report changes in patient condition to supervising RN/MD.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications and treatments within policy.
• Assist with diagnostic tests and procedures as needed.
• Maintain patient privacy and dignity and provide quality customer service.
• Record and communicate patient information accurately and promptly.

Skills

Patient care

English language proficiency

Customer service

Education

Graduate of a state-approved LPN/LVN program

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of the LPN/LVN 6 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

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] - 61 Broadway - 33rd Floor - New York - NY 10006
• [Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website
• Exceptions include:] (1) Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment
• (2) [ ] VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160 - enacted November 21 - 1983 - and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576 - enacted October 28 - 1986
• and for their future personnel actions under this authority
• The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions
• [(3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
• See paragraph 4 - section C.] 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
• 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)
• 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: GS-06 (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 [(RN) 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 (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
• (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
• Preferred Experience: Specialty clinic experience (e.g
• urology or endocrine)
• 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-06
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional 1
• Demonstrates proficiency in initiating - performing and completing assigned duties while providing care to diverse patient populations
• 2
• Maintains knowledge and ability to carry out patient care determined by the patient's condition utilizing judgement in selecting appropriate orders - procedures - and treatments
• and recognizing - reporting - and recording relevant patient information to include urgent and emergent situations
• 3
• Observes - identifies - and responds to patient needs for medication - medical equipment - and patient/family education while considering emotional - socio- economic and agerelated factors
• 4
• Maintains knowledge and skill 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
• 5
• Establishes constructive and positive relationships with patients/families in order to promote open communication and socialization skills - taking into consideration human behavior - patient motivators and reactions to situations
• 6
• Respects patient/family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery by incorporating customer service standards with all interactions - to include both internal and external customers
• 7
• Maintains knowledge and skill for performing support duties during complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures
• 8
• Serves as a preceptor in orienting - educating - and training less experienced LPNs - Nursing Assistants (NA's) - Health Technicians (HT's) and provides support for more complex - specialized procedures
• 9
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge/skills and shares knowledge with peers to advance nursing practice
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• 0730 - 1600 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: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized