Practical Nurse

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37-50 days of annual paid time off

Child care subsidy

Federal health, vision, dental insurance

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse to join their team in Englewood, Colorado. This role involves providing a full range of nursing care to patients, ensuring their medical needs are met during visits. The ideal candidate will be a graduate of an accredited nursing program and hold an active nursing licensure.

The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to respond effectively to patient needs. This is not a virtual position, and candidates should be prepared for a conventional work schedule.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen with appropriate qualifications.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• Must have active and unrestricted nursing licensure.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical nursing care to various patient populations.
• Perform evaluations and document patient information.
• Administer medications and monitor patient responses.

Skills

Patient care

Medication administration

Communication skills

Emergency response

Education

Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing

Licensed in a State or District of Columbia

Job description

Summary

The incumbent performs a variety of supportive nursing and medical tasks necessary to the care of patients during diagnostic and therapeutic visits to any ECHCS VA Primary Care Clinic location. This position is for the new Englewood VA Medical Center. The Licensed Practical Nurse's (LPN) practice is modeled on the standards established within the VHA model for Patient Aligned Care Teams.

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 the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• 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
• 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-06: Completion of at least 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
• To accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information
• 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 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
• References: VA Handbook 5005/3 - Part II - Appendix G13 VA Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06.
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity
• Requires potential long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided
• May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings
• May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders - must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Duties

• The incumbent provides a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Is able to perform routine evaluation of patients while in the clinic setting by obtaining current symptoms and complaints, observing the patient's condition, behavior, and response to treatments and/or medications
• GS-6: The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) GS-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
• Performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee
• The LPN/LVN GS-6 is expected to function at a fully successful level for all key elements at the GS-5 grade
• The LPN/LVN GS-6 is a full performance functional level for the LPN/LVN occupation for providing practical nursing care with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: The LPN/LVN GS-6 is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice
• 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 patients' conditions
• To use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments
• To accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information
• The incumbent is able to perform routine evaluation of patients while in the clinic setting by obtaining current symptoms and complaints, observing the patient's condition, behavior, and response to treatments and/or medications
• Documents appropriate information in the patient record and reports significant deviations to the RN and/or provider
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes
• Recognizes the need for and institutes cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures when indicated in accordance with established medical center policy and procedure
• Independently performs coordinating duties related to the operation of the clinic such as ordering and maintaining supplies and medications and obtaining patient data
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety - hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• The incumbent practices within their nursing scope of practice and functional level - demonstrating and promoting the mission of the VA and ICARE values
• Delivers safe care to assigned patients - while developing technical competencies based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice, VHA Directives, and local policies
• Uses the Computerized Patient Record System and the Bar Coded Medication Administration software per policy
• Treats all patients and families with dignity and respect
• Listens to and honors patient and family perspectives and choices
• Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care in a non-judgmental, nondiscriminatory manner (Patient and Family Centered Care)
• Performs other assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers which are essential to patient care
• May be assigned to any ECHCS VA Primary Care Clinic
• May be required to drive or ride between locations in GSA vehicle
• 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 401(k) 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)
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts
• 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)
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 57292-A