Practical Nurse(Acute Care)

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and reports to the surgical clinic nurse manager. The LPN is responsible for observing, recording and reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan for life. The LPN is a member of the surgical clinic healthcare Team.

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
English Language Proficiency
In accordance with 38 U.S.C
7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
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
Exceptions include 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN
Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade
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-05 Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care
Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications
This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition
Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest
Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies
GS-06 Proficiency 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, using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information
Ability to observe, identify, and response to a patient's needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education
Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures
Observes for, documents, and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments
Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed
Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members and other staff
Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which includes preparing the patient and 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.
Duties "Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: a.
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.
b.
The LPN performs, reports and documents assigned nursing care in the Surgery Clinics, including, but not limited to: Oxygen therapy Transporting and labeling Lab specimens Medication administration to include IV medication if certified.
Clinical alerts as indicated Check expiration dates of meds and supplies Delegated procedures and treatments Documentation and vital signs Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy.
Monitors patient during the procedure.
Adheres to standards of practice and safe techniques in preparation and administration of medication.
Demonstrates understanding of age-and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran.
Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance and effectively intervenes as directed when appropriate.
Based on the patient's goals and as assigned by the RN, provides patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness.
Interacts and communicates appropriately with patients and family members incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.
Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Adheres to principles of infection control, safety and universal precautions.
Possesses knowledge and demonstrates proficiency in the proper handling and pre- cleaning of reusable medical equipment.
Demonstrates competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties.
Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures.
Actively assists the surgical clinic Team and expanded Teams.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives and strives to elevate the practice standards in the clinic.
Assists in the orientation of students, peers and clerical staff.
Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written and/or verbal patient information.
Maintains a work environment that honors diversity.
Serves as an advocate in the protection of patient and family rights.
Completes mandatory reviews for health coaching in order to encourage patient self- management toward individualized life plan of care.
Uses broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures to support patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner using evidenced based principles.
Promotes patient and personnel safety.
All other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:544-50937-A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"

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