Vocational Nurse

Summary About the Position: This position is with the Defense Health Agency at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center located at Fort Hood, Texas. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Duties Set up equipment and instruments; and prepare patients by providing instruction and positioning patient for specific procedures. Perform clean dressing changes, irrigate wounds, prepare ointments to fill open wounds and burns under the direction of the physician, remove suture and skin clips, and apply ace wraps and/or proper dressings. Participate in monthly seminars to educate and support Bariatric patients on gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding health related issues; prepare gastric banding patients for use of fluoroscopy; and monitor for band complications. Instruct the patient on how to care for the wound at home, how to preform home dressing changes, diet and signs of infection. Administer topical medication in accordance with physician’s orders and nursing scope of practice to include administration of oxygen, IV fluids, and oral medications. Perform a variety of administrative duties as an extension of and in support of the Head nurse/NCOIC such as orienting and training assigned personnel. Perform a variety of general support and maintenance tasks such as cleaning instruments, restocking office with supplies, and verifying delivered supplies. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. A Personnel Security Investigation is required. This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis. A pre-placement medical examination is required. Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing. Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS. Applicants must be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Vocational Nurse: Licensure: A current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia; OR must have applied for a license to practice. Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it. Non-licensed candidates who have completed their training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period. Those not licensed must furnish the date on which they applied for a license and the jurisdiction involved. No person appointed pending licensure may be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure has not been attained. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirement listed below: Experience: One year of nursing experience 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, performing such duties as taking vital signs, performing behavioral health screenings, documenting in patient health records, providing individual nursing care, administering oxygen, IV fluid and prescribed medications, performing routine procedures, such as EKGs, eye, throat, nasal and/or wound cultures, dressing changes, ear irrigation, and application of bandages. This definition of experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One-year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Position may require employee to wear a uniform and/or protective clothing. Position is designated as Inclement Weather Essential. The incumbent must make every attempt to report for work on time and/or remain on duty during severe weather conditions. This position is designated as Key. For positions located within the Continental US (CONUS), the position cannot be vacated during war or national emergency without seriously impairing the mission. Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Review our benefits