Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Summary

This position serves as a Licensed Practical Nurse aligned under the Nursing, and Ambulatory Care service within The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center. The position is assigned to the MARQUETTE CBOC and must foster and promote a "team concept" and remain flexible and open to contributing to all areas of the CBOC.

Responsibilities

• Conducts a variety of clinics effectively including but not limited to general medicine, Women's Wellness, Neurology, Optometry, and Outpatient lab phlebotomy/lab etc, using self-direction in problem solving and priority setting.
• Exhibits problem solving techniques and priority setting in working with each assigned clinic. Seeks guidance from Registered Nurse for resolution of problems.
• Prepares and assists with various examinations including general exams, gynecological exams, and minor surgical procedures. Maintains aseptic techniques.
• Proficiency in providing 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, culture specimen collection, dressing changes, urinary catheterization, etc.
• Accurately computes medication dosages and administers medications according to facility policy and procedure.
• 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 accurately 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 cultural 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, X-rays, 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.

Work Schedule

Mon- Fri 07:30-16:00 Telework:

Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
• US citizenship
• Current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a state, territory or commonwealth of US
• Graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing.
• 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.
• VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C.
• 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 and for their future personnel actions under this authority.
• The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C or 7405 after these conversions.
• Individuals granted a license by jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.
• Current BLS certification (American Heart Association)
• 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

• GS-3:None beyond the Basic Requirements.
• GS-4:Must have completed 6 months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN;OR Graduated from an approved school and have 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 Graduated from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
• 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 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; 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Experience

• 1-2 years primary care experience; phlebotomy/lab experience preferred

References

VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 The full performance level of this vacancy is Grade 6

Physical Requirements

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required.

The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education

Note

Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education

For further information, visit:

Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation)

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive , VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).

VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.

If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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