Vocational Nurse - Ambulatory Specialty Care

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Mather (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in California's Mather area is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse/LVN for ambulatory specialty care.

The role supports veterans by delivering comprehensive nursing care, coordinating with RNs and physicians, and ensuring accurate medication administration within a high-quality care environment. GS-3 to GS-6 levels apply, with progression based on experience and demonstrated competencies.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed per VA policy.
• Education or Training: Graduate of an approved practical/vocational nursing program or equivalent military healthcare education.
• Licensure: Full, active, unrestricted LPN/LVN license in U.S. territory/ DC.
• Physical Standards: Must pass pre-employment exam if selected.
• English Language Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).

Responsibilities

• Provide full range of practical nursing care to patients in ambulatory care settings.
• Collaborate with RNs and MD/DO to orient/train less experienced staff and ensure quality patient care.
• Prepare, administer, and document medications and treatments per facility policies.
• Recognize emergencies and initiate appropriate interventions and report changes to supervising staff.

Job description

The primary purpose of the Licensed Vocational nurse in Ambulatory Specialty Care is to perform the assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving veterans.

Basic Requirements

• U.S. citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education or Training: 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); OR Received health care education/training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualified for full LPN/LVN licensure
• 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 Standards: Must pass a pre-employment examination, if selected.
• 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)

Grade Determinations

GS-3

Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4 Experience

Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.

GS-4 Education and Experience

Graduation from an approved school 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.

GS-4 Education

Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-5 Experience

One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-4 LPN/LVN.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements and grade determinations, applicant must demonstrate the following:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

GS-6 Experience

One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements and grade determinations, applicant must demonstrate the following:

1. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Preferred experience

1. Two years of LVN experience in infectious disease
2. BLS

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).

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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 6.

Physical Requirements

Involves considerable amount of standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning. Requires carrying or lifting of objects weighing up to 50 lbs, but occasionally may require work that involves pushing or lifting in excess of 50 pounds and going up and down fights of stairs. The position requires visual and auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective nursing care. The position requires the nurse to work for periods of time with arms above shoulders level or with neck in a fully flexed or extended position and the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally ill clients. Requires use of hands for actions such as typing, simple grasping, fine manipulation, and repetitive action. Requires the ability to frequently respond to multiple demands and priorities. Has potential for exposure to infections diseases, hazardous waste and chemicals. Emotional and mental stability- ability to effectively perform the essential functions of the position and respond appropriately in emergency situations.