Licensed Practical Nurse - Community Living Center

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to provide essential patient care at the Washington DC VAMC. This role involves working in a Community Living Center specializing in long-term and hospice care, with responsibilities including patient assessment, medication administration, and support of nursing activities.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Active LPN license in a State or District.
• Experience in patient care settings preferable.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care and support for patients at the Community Living Center.
• Administer medications and document patient responses.
• Monitor patient conditions and respond to emergencies.

Skills

English Language Proficiency

Education

Graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing

Job description

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a position essential for patient care at the Washington DC VAMC, stationed at our Community Living Center, which specializes in long-term care, short-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care.

Duties

Major duties/functions include, but are not limited to:

Requirements

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. Education exceptions listed in qualification standard.
• 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.
• Physical Requirements: Please see physical requirements in additional information section.
• English Language Proficiency: Proficient in both spoken and written English.

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-3: None beyond the basic requirements.

Assignment: LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.

GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR b) Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience involving nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility; OR c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

Assignments: LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of GS-3, with greater judgment, less supervision, and adherence to established policies and procedures.

GS-5: a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at GS-4 or equivalent. And; b) Ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with various physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with RN and/or MD/DO to train less experienced staff and provide patient education. c) Ability to prepare, administer, and document medications and treatments, observing and reporting patient responses. d) Recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately. e) Identify equipment malfunctions and safety hazards, reporting for corrective action. f) Work under general supervision of an RN or MD/DO, with broad knowledge of nursing procedures.

GS-6: a) Completion of at least one additional year of experience at GS-5, fully meeting performance requirements. b) Proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties. c) Knowledge to carry out patient care based on patient's condition, recognizing and reporting changes. d) Administer medications and treatments, observing for changes. e) Recognize urgent/emergent situations and act accordingly. f) Understand human behavior and patient motivations to work effectively with patients and families. g) Establish relationships to promote positive communication and respect for privacy and dignity. h) Perform support duties for complex procedures, preparing patients and monitoring their condition.

Reference: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

Preferred Experience

• At least one year of Long Term/Hospice care experience.

The full performance level is GS-6. The range for selection is GS-3 to GS-6.