Practical Nurse

Summary The LPN/LVN works with a team of individuals to manage a panel of patients in Connected Care / Telehealth Service or specialty care setting. Contributes to the nursing process through data collection and incorporates evidence-based practices to individuals and groups focusing on cost-effective ways to maximize wellness, prevent illness, and manage acute and chronic diseases to affect the most attainable positive health status over the patient's lifespan up to and including a peaceful death. Learn more about this agency Duties A. Performs basic nursing procedures such as vital signs, treatments, and specimen collection in accordance with nursing policies and procedures. LPN/LVN is an integral part of the health care team functioning under the guidance, supervision, and direction of the RN completing nursing procedures as assigned by the RN or Assistant Nurse Manager and/or Nurse Manager. B. LPN/LVN uses guidelines or receives directions in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines. Demonstrates competence in placing order per policy. C. 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 higherlevel intervention. D. The LPN/LVN performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care, including, but not limited to oxygen therapy, clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated, check expiration dates of meds and supplies. E. Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Monitors patient during the procedure. F. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication, vaccinations, and reading Tuberculosis skin tests. Appropriate documents in the medical record. G. Demonstrates understanding of age- and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. H. Based on the patient's goals, provides patient and family health education, to include self- management, prevention, and wellness. I. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. J. Demonstrate competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties. K. Obtains electrocardiograms (EKG) on patients as directed by physician orders. Convey the results of the EKG to the provider or RN. L. Completes finger stick Glucose and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) testing on patients as appropriate and other point-of-care testing and completes mandatory competency reviews. M. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety, and security measures. N. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information. O. Protects patient and family rights. P. Completes Clinical Skills competencies and mandatory training as assigned by the Nurse Manager. Q. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. R. Promotes patient and personnel safety by recognizing and reporting potential risk factors in the clinical environment. S. Implements a plan of care for patients considering physical, emotional, and social factors. T. Contributes to the assessment and reassessment of patients, and documents relevant information in the medical record. Reports significant changes in patient's condition to the Registered Nurse and/or provider. U. Takes secure electronic messages and telephone messages, as assigned, and resolves or forwards them to the appropriate personnel. Responds directly to messages within scope and level of knowledge. Able to differentiate between those complex problems that require assistance of the Registered Nurse or provider and obtain appropriate guidance. V. Demonstrates adherence to and competence of Nursing Standard Operating Procedures, VASNHS Medical Center Memoranda, and National Directives. W. Must be proficient and demonstrate competency and the ability to either set up or reprocess Reusable Medical Equipment as applicable for all equipment for which he/she has been trained. X. Assists others as time permits in the completion of their duties. Y. Uses the computer system in accordance with VASNHS policies. Z. Participates in VASNHS sponsored continuing education programs. AA. Participates in unit-based quality improvement programs. BB. Establishes constructive relationships with employees and co-workers to promote interaction and communication. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the patient's treatment plan. CC. Completes annual AMR GEMS awareness training. Familiarizes self with environmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) associated with their department/service area. DD. Maintains supply levels and basic cleanliness in examination and treatment rooms, utility rooms, and patient rooms with special emphasis on infection control. Maintains clinical area in an organized and clutter free manner. Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 Travel: Up to 25% may be required. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Physical Requirements: This position includes a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by nurses such as direct patient care, and potentially long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling. Requirements Conditions of employment NOTE: Prior to accepting a final employment offer, all selected applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination and maintain CDT physical readiness. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Must be able to meet physical demands which include strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-06 Providing pre- and post-operative patient care. Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients. Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients. Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients. Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus. 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 respond to a 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, 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, 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. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, 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 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 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. 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. Education Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement. The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Additional information Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required. However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. 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. 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. Expand Hide  additional information 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 A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.