Career Center

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 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 that is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure meets the education requirements. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the US, or District of Columbia. Language Proficiency: Eligible candidates must be proficient in English (spoken and written). Grade Determinations: 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: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN OR Must have graduated 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 OR Must have 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 AND 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 one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN AND 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 RN/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 References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13 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 GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: This work requires moderate lifting (15-22lbs), light lifting (under 15lbs), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable to 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), and mental and motional stability required. Also requires working on slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working with hands in water, working closely with others, and lifting assisting patients. ["The LPN works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model. Primarily responsible for patient and clinic flow, efficiency of the clinic, customer service, and teamwork. Develops/maintains effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary team, VA medical centers, and other agencies. Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-6 level, duties will include, but are not limited to: Checking vitals, processing reminders, reviewing and processing alerts appropriately, administering medication, participating in team huddles and meetings to manage and plan patient care; setting priorities and deadlines; adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs; may work with the team to reinforce the plan of care and self-help solutions and entering appropriate information into the electronic record; monitoring pre-appointment requirements to assure readiness for patient visit/procedure; participating and providing input in problem solving on operational issues or procedures in team meetings; participating in and independently following up on team huddles by sharing information and collaborating with the medical team to assure continuity of care; evaluating patient information and clinic schedule lists to determine whether patient is vested; educating providers about shared patients and bringing to the attention of the provider. Communications: Effectively expresses information to multiple audiences through clear, convincing oral and written communication. Demonstrates logical thinking when describing facts and concepts. Delivers accurate and timely information to others, and shapes communications by properly utilizing SBAR to meet the needs of our Veterans and their families. CPRS Notes entered and signed within 24 hours. CPRS Alerts addressed and signed within 72 hours. Able to accept constructive criticism and utilize it as a learning opportunity. Be able to work together as a team with other peers. Possess a positive attitude when working with peers, staff, Veterans, and Veteran's families. Organizational Awareness: Knows and carries out the organizations mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively. Works towards understanding and asks questions as necessary. Understands VA programs and educate peers, caretakers, Veterans and their families. Completes reminders and required education with reminders and durable medical equipment. Follow VA policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization. Customer Service: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior and patient motivation. Remains nonjudgmental with interactions. Establishes rapport with individual patients and families to elicit feelings and attitudes toward their health and well-being. Promotes patient trust by accurately documenting messages and routing them appropriately. (Systems Thinking). d. Standard - Recognizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation and voluntarily helps other teams during staffing short-falls. Assists with other assignments and tasks to take care of the Veterans. Attends monthly meetings as an active participant; Reads meeting notes in times of absences. Patient Care: Be dependable and accomplish work and tasks in a timely manner. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on patient's condition. With minimal supervision, plans and carries out assignments following VHA directives and local Numbered Memoranda. Provides appropriate patient and family education regarding disease condition, procedures, tests, and health maintenance. Observes and appropriately responds to subtle changes in patient's behavior by providing emotional/physical support/intervention to prevent a problem. Participates in Medication Review by reviewing with patient/care giver medication list, annotate changes on the list for PCP's review, enter non-VA meds in CPRS. Provides ambulatory nursing care to patients with acute and chronic healthcare needs, including responding to triages as appropriate. Responds to medical emergencies such as \"medical urgencies\" and nursing alerts as appropriate. Uses the 6 Rights of Medication Administration, including the use of two patient identifiers. Education and Training Serves as preceptor or mentor for newly assigned health technicians, LPNs, and interns. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0730 - 1600\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nEDRP Authorized: : Contact Stacy Hermann, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at V20CompensationTeam@va.gov\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]