Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Bangor (ME); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, in Bangor, ME, seeks a Practical Nurse to join the clinic team. The role provides nursing care under RN/MD supervision in an outpatient setting, including medication administration, documentation and direct patient support.

The ideal candidate is a graduate of an approved nursing program, holds an active LPN/LVN license, and demonstrates English proficiency for direct patient care.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship as required for VA employment.
• Graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing program.
• Active, current, unrestricted LPN/LVN license in the US.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English for direct patient care.
• Ability to meet GS-grade level requirements and demonstrate nursing competence.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical nursing care under RN/MD guidance in ambulatory settings.
• Observe, document patient condition and respond to changes promptly.
• Administer prescribed medications and monitor patient responses.
• Collaborate with RN/MD to orient/train staff and ensure patient safety.

Skills

Medication administration

Patient care

Team collaboration

Education

Graduate from approved school of practical or vocational nursing

Active, unrestricted LPN/LVN license in US territory

Job description

Summary

This Practical Nurse position is located within the VHA Community Based Clinics at the Bangor - ME clinic location within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Qualifications

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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing(ACEN) at the time the program was completed by applicant
• Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Exceptions include: See Additional Information Section
• 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
• 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 Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements - 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-3: None beyond the basic requirements
• 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 (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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• (d) 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: (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• (b) 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
• (c) 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
• (d) 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 approval 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
• (e) 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
• (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• (g) 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: (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 - cultural - spiritual - 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: 3-5 years experience in Outpatient - Ambulatory Experience - ACLS/BLS
• Outpatient procedural experience preferred Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS/3 functions as a member of the nursing care team by demonstrating practical knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort in carrying out practical nursing care assignments
• The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS/4/5 functions as a member of the nursing care team by demonstrating advancing nursing knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort in carrying out practical nursing care assignments
• The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS/6 has the knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction in carrying out the most complex nursing care assignments for selected patients requiring skilled nursing care on a regular/recurring basis
• Major duties include but are not limited to: Ability to assist with determining the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on the patient's condition and use judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines
• The knowledge to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations - environmental and safety needs
• Obtains patients' health care delivery modality preferences
• In collaboration with the provider and/or veteran - chooses the most appropriate approach based on nature of healthcare need
• Conducts intake using VVC for virtual provider appointments
• Establishes constructive (therapeutic) relationships with individual patients and family members/caregivers to elicit feelings and attitudes - as well as - promote positive relationships - communication and socialization skills
• Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention
• Incumbent possesses knowledge of proper handling and pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment
• Adheres to principles of infection control - safety - and universal precautions
• The LPN appropriately performs and documents all or part of the following duties in ambulatory care settings (including Primary Care & Specialty Clinics) depending upon the scope and complexity of the practice and patient care need
• Assists with minor procedures - including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment - participating in time-outs - positioning patient - ensuring comfort and privacy
• Monitors patient during the procedure
• Assumes other duties and functions of a similar nature that would enhance patient care (i.e
• cross coverage in the Lab) - within the scope of licensure - including all functions and responsibilities performed at the Licensed Practical Nurse GS-3 - GS-4 - and GS-5 level
• Work Schedule: 40 Hours - Monday- Friday - Available Tours: 7:00a - 3:30p - 7:30a- 4:00p - 8:00a- 4:30p (to be determined at time of selection
• schedule may be adjusted to support clinic needs)
• Recruitment Incentive (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 #: 402- F08598 - F08599 - F0860 - F08601 (to be assigned at time of selection based on pay grade)
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
• Notifications: EDRP is not authorized
• This is an Excepted Service position
• This position is on a Specialty Rate of Pay
• This position is not in an Bargaining Union
• The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level (GS-06) without further competition when all regulatory - qualification - and performance requirements are met
• Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.