Practical Nurse- Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EDRP eligible

Education Debt Reduction Program

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs in Staunton, VA is seeking a Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) to join our medical team. This position emphasizes patient-centered nursing care, documentation, medication administration, and collaboration with RNs and physicians to support veteran health needs.

The role includes serving veterans across a range of conditions, applying established policies, providing education, and maintaining a safe,

Qualifications

• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or NLNAC at the time the program was completed.
• Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state/territory (or DC).
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical nursing care and education to patients.

Responsibilities

• Obtain patient vitals and prepare the patient for primary care visits.
• Administer prescribed medications and document responses per policy.
• Collaborate with RNs and physicians to deliver safe, effective veteran care.
• Provide patient/family education and support within established standards of practice.

Education

LPN/LVN license (active)

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (1-5 yrs) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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
• 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
• 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: GS5: (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 approved 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 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: Lab processing strong skills in phlebotomy - prior work in out patient clinical setting
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) 3 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
• GS5: Obtains reason for visit and vital signs - including height and weight
• Prepare the Veteran for the PCP appointment
• Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular - and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established polices/ procedures
• Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in Veteran condition from prescribed medications/treatments - promptly and accurately documenting noted changed - and reporting and deviations from normal to the RN or provider Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent Veteran care situations - seeks assistance of the RN and/or provider and initiates appropriate emergency interventions as directed
• Responding and documenting on view alerts in a timely manner (preferably by end of shift) but within 24 hours and within their scope of practice to include collecting data - documenting all required pertinent data - and seeking higher level of care if necessary
• Provides safe and individualized nursing care to Veterans with changing complex physiological and/ or emotional needs
• He/she will take into consideration the Veteran's age-related abilities associated with mobility - nutrition - mentation - hygiene - continence - psychosocial status - and cultural needs GS6: Obtains reason for visit and vital signs - including height and weight
• Prepare the Veteran for the PCP appointment Ability to observe - identify and respond to the Veteran needs for care - including medication - equipment-assisted care - and Veteran/family education
• In organizing and delivering care - the LPN/LVN 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 polices/ procedures
• Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in Veteran condition from prescribed medications/treatments - promptly and accurately documenting noted changed - and reporting and deviations from normal to the RN or provider
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent Veteran care situations - seeks assistance of the RN and/or provider and initiates appropriate emergency interventions as directed
• Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the Veteran's response
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing the Registered Nurse (RN) or medical provider of changes in the Veteran's condition requiring higher-level intervention
• Lab specimen collection (i.e. - nasal swabs - throat swabs - and blood collection Fully participates as a member of the PACT team providing Veteran care
• Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development - implementation - and evaluation of the Veteran's treatment plan and promotes Veteran participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized