Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Iron Mountain (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) role at Veterans Health Administration supports quality patient care and positive customer service for veterans in clinical settings.

This position requires graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing program, active licensure, and proficiency in spoken and written English. You will work under RN/MD supervision in diverse clinics, contributing to comprehensive nursing care and patient education.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing program.
• Licensed to practice as LPN/LVN in the United States.
• Proficient in spoken and written English per 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care under RN/MD supervision in various clinics.
• Perform medication administration and patient education.
• Maintain patient records and document changes in condition.
• Assist with examinations and minor procedures as directed.
• Ensure patient safety, privacy, and environmental safety.

Skills

US Citizenship

English Proficiency

Education

Practical/Vocational Nursing diploma

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.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
• 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
• Exception: 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
• (Transcripts required) License: 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
• (Copy of your license is required with your application) 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 Requirements: 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 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
• GS-5 (a) Completion of at least 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 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
• Preferred Experience: 1-2 years Primary Care 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 in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties: The LPN/LVN is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice
• Performs duties in a variety of clinics including but not limited to general medicine - Women's Wellness - neurology - optometry - and outpatient lab phlebotomy/lab - etc
• Exhibits problem solving techniques and priority setting in working with each assigned clinic
• Seeks guidance from Registered Nurse for resolution of problems
• Assists with various examinations including general exams - gynecological exams - and minor surgical procedures
• Maintains aseptic techniques
• Provides all basic nursing care for a variety of patients both in-patient and in the Primary Care setting
• Demonstrates competency in a number of procedures including skin suture and/or staple removal - lifestyle specimen collection - dressing changes - urinary catheterization - etc
• Answers phone in a courteous and tactful manner
• Takes messages and provides accurate information to appropriate staff member
• Follows up to see that patient issues are resolved and returns calls as indicated
• Records and appropriately documents patient information
• Completes and updates clinical reminders
• Notes changes in a patient's condition which warrants notification of a provider prior to appointment times
• Informs members of the patient's primary care team of lifestyle preferences - religious preferences and changes that have occurred with aging
• Recognizes and responds appropriately in emergency situations
• Initiates CPR in critical emergencies
• Reports to Primary Care provider any variance noted in vital signs - and lab results
• Provides education to patients and family members regarding preparations for diagnostic tests - Xrays - and endoscopic procedures as well as general patient information about upcoming appointments
• Reviews medications - assists in medication reconciliation - and provides medication
• Information sheets with patient and significant other
• Presents information to patients and significant others utilizing understanding of geriatric population to modify educational approaches
• Facilitates patient care by assisting the Primary Care provider in obtaining information on patients regarding eligibility - clinic appointment availability - and procedure scheduling
• Aware of and refers/or obtains referrals to support services according to patient needs - such as Social Work Service - Behavioral Health - Nutrition - etc
• Keeps Registered Nurse and provider informed
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills sufficient to provide environmental safety - security - and privacy of the patient
• Protects patient rights by making sure that the printed and electronic files which contain sensitive data are protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws - federal regulations - VA statutes and policy - and VHA policy
• The employee will be responsible for: a
• Protecting that data from unauthorized deletion b
• Following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files - release of access codes - etc. - as set out in a computer access agreement which the employee signs
• Other Duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized 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 Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:08908F - 08909F -08910F -08911F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):Not Authorized