Videos

Duties may also include, but not limited to:
A. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medications.
B. Demonstrating competency in completing health nurse procedures including EKGs, wound care, taking of vital signs, ear lavage, etc.
C. Demonstrates understanding of age- and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran.
D. Actively participates in PACT team huddles and meetings.
E. Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance and effectively intervenes as directed and when appropriate.
F. Based on the patient's goals, provides patient, family and caregiver health education, to include selfmanagement, prevention, and wellness.
G. Interacts and communicates appropriately and courteously with patients and family members.
H. Participates within the PACT team secure messaging framework, typically as triage team member.
I. Demonstrates professional behavior (e.g. respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills.
J. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions.
K. Maintains a clean clinic environment and stocking assigned exam rooms daily.
L. Incumbent possesses knowledge of proper handling and cleaning of reusable medical equipment.
M. Demonstrates competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties.
N. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures.
O. Demonstrates initiative in assisting the Team and expanded Team.
P. Assists in the orientation and competency validation of students, peers and clerical staff.
Q. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information.
R. Maintains a work environment that honors diversity.
S. Serves as a resource and advocate in the protection of patient and family rights.
T. May act as health coach, including motivational interviewing, in order to promote patient self-management toward individualized life plan of care.
U. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner, using evidence-based principles.
V. Promotes patient and personnel safety.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 02394A
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.
• 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).

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:

• U.S. citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education or Training: 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 (ACEN); OR Received health care education/training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualified for full LPN/LVN licensure
• Licensure: Full, active, current and 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.
• Physical Standards: Must pass a pre-employment examination, if selected.
• English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d),

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 Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4 Experience: Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN.OR
Education and Experience. Graduation 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
Education: Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-5 Experience: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-4 LPN/LVN.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements and grade determinations, applicant must demonstrate the following:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

GS-6 Experience: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements and grade determinations, applicant must demonstrate the following:

1. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Preferred Experience:

References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualifications Standard, dated April 10, 2003, http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf

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 position requires possible long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials, may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (7 to 8 hours); Pushing (7 to 8 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (7 to 8 hours); Standing/Kneeling (1 hour); Repeated bending (7 to 8 hours); both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); emotional/ mental stability.

How you will be evaluated

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

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, r?sum?, 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.