Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered at regular intervals as additional vacancies occur or on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applications will remain on file until Oct 31, 23. This is an external job announcement open to all US citizens. Veteran's preference does not apply to this announcement.

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GS 3 duties:

• Performs a variety of nursing skills specific to the clinical needs of patients in the assigned work area under the supervisor of a RN.
• Oversees a full range of nursing care to patients with complex care needs utilizing the nursing process based on the American Nursing Association (ANA) Standards of Nursing Practice.
• Ensures consistent clinical competence of staff/self in providing nursing care.
• Uses equipment correctly and accurately reports abnormal findings.
• Performs ongoing evaluation of patient condition and response to treatment.
• Initiates referrals to other disciplines and/or services.
• Prioritizes delivery of care.
• Serves a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team and participates in huddles.
• Recognizes emergency, acts appropriately.
• Documentation and assignments are technically informative, complete, accurate, consistent, concise, and completed timely.
• Uses the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and the Bar-Coded Medication Administration (BCMA) software per policy.
• Ensures the physician and/or appropriate staff are notified of emergent events involving patients and staff.
• Treats all patients, families, and co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and employees.
• Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own nursing judgments and actions.
• Safeguards patient privacy and maintains confidentiality of all electronic and printed patient information according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines, the Privacy Act, as stated in Medical Center Memorandums, Handbook, and/or VA Directives.
• Ensures Congested Heart Failure (CHF) diagnosis patients are receiving appropriate care utilizing appropriate teaching and documentation using the CHF Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Template.
• Collaborates with non-VA community partners for appropriate needed care and follow-up.
• Practices safe body mechanics uses mechanical devices, and/or requests help when needed in moving, lifting, or turning patients to prevent injury to patient, self or others.
• Recognizes changes in the patient's condition, behavior and /or comfort. Reports observations and interventions to the RN or PCP and records observations and interventions in the electronic medical record.
• Takes and records vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and pulse oximetry) including pain level. Reports abnormal vital signs and pain level immediately to RN or PCP.
• Complies with established policies and procedures in the preparation of, administration of and documentation of medications.
• Recognizes side effects of medications; reports observations to the RN or PCP immediately.
• Demonstrates professional behavior and good communication skills that enhance working effectively with others.
• Plans and conducts education in services and programs for Nurses, Physicians, and other health care professionals on issues related to health care as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

GS 4 duties:

• Performs all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques.
• Provides education to patient, family members, and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

GS 5 duties:

• All of GS 3 and 4 duties.
• Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practice or procedures maybe subject to closer higher-level review.
• 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/NP 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

GS 6 duties:

• All of GS 3, 4, and 5 duties. The GS 6 is the full performance level for the LPN/LVN.
• Performs all duties expected of employees at the GS-5 grade level for 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.
• Is technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD52840A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• 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.

Basic Requirements:

• US Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it's not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance w/ VA Policy.
• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency &/or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission NLNAC at the time the program was completed by applicant.
• Licensure: Full, active, current & unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. A LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance w/ certain provisions.
• English Language Proficiency: LPN/LVNs appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken & written English.
• Preferred Experience: Prior Acute care and phlebotomy experience preferred
  
  Grade Determinations:
  
  GS-3
  None beyond basic requirements.
  
  GS-4
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN;
  OR
  Graduation from an approved school & 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 & sterile techniques & procedures;
  OR
  Graduation 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
  1) Demonstrates knowledge & ability to provide full range of practical nursing care to patients w/ a variety of physical &/or behavioral problems. Works w/ RN &/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs &/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 &/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, &/or prescribed treatment regimes.
  2) Demonstrates ability to serve as a responsible member of nursing team & interact in an appropriate manner w/ patients, family members, professional & supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.
  3) Knowledge & skill sufficient to prepare, administer, & appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, &/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies & procedures. Observation & documentation will include patient's response to medication administered & the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO.
  4) Knowledge & ability to recognize the need for & to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of RN or MD/DO, & assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac &/or pulmonary arrest.
  5) Recognizes & appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, & supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
  
  GS-6
  Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
  AND
  1) Technically proficient in initiating, performing & completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
  2) Knowledge & ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order & sequence of procedures and treatments; & accurately recognize, report & record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a RN or a MD/DO, for appropriateness & conformity w/ established policies/procedures.
  3) Ability to observe, identify & respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care & patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes & considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, & age-related factors.
  4) Prepares & administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular &/or intravenous) & performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical &/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly & accurately documenting noted changes, & reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.
  5) Knowledge & ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN &/or MD/DO, & initiates appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
  6) Knowledge & understanding of human behavior, patient motivations & reactions to situations, & ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively w/ patients, family members, & staff.
  7) Establishes constructive relationships with patients & their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication & socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient & family rights to privacy & dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge & understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions w/ patients, family members, & other internal/external customers.
  8) Knowledge & skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests & specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, & monitoring the patient's condition before, during, & following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, & training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures.
  9) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained w/ other staff to improve & advance nursing practice.

References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13.

The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-3 to a GS-6.

Physical Requirements:

Possess visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, & manual dexterity
Be mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs
Be able to walk, stand, stoop, sit, bend, pull, & push for potentially long periods of time
Transfer patients & objects
Use mechanical inpatient lifts to preserve patient & staff safety
May be exposed to infected patients & contaminated materials & may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or perform operative/invasive procedures
Occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders
Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or other required testing, or inoculations which may change over time, as a condition of employment
May be required to drive &/or ride in GSA-vehicles
Work requires long periods of regular & recurring standing & walking w/ regular & recurring lifting & positioning of patients
Work in performed in a hospital ward or clinic requires following normal safety precautions

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. Your application, rsum, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.