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Duties Include, but not limited to:
1. General duties may include:

• Assist with exams/procedures and triage as appropriate
• Complete pertinent clinical reminders
• Assist with medication reconciliation and post discharge calls as directed
• Track and administer required immunizations
• Assist PACT in sorting secure telephone calls and resolves call as appropriate
• Identify additional services needed by Veteran/Family/Care Giver
• Assist provider in non-formulary process
• Participate in daily huddles
• New patient orientation
• Assist with patient education/reinforce plan of care
• Keep exam rooms stocked, monitor sharps containers and outdated supplies in exam rooms.

2. Obtains and records objective and subjective data relevant to a historical biopsychosocial profile (e.g., temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, I & O).

3. Refers patients to appropriate resources (dietary, social work, OIF/OEF, smoking cessations, etc.) after screening/reminders completed.

• Participates in meeting the needs of patient and family psychosocial needs and contributes to the development of the plan of care.
• Identifies and reports any patient problems based on his/her objective observations. Collaborates with the RN so the RN can in development and make modification of nursing care. Contributes to overall interdisciplinary care plans.
• Administers treatments and caries out orders prescribed and written by the provider as they relate to providing nursing care to the patient(s). Demonstrates ability to perform increasingly complex treatments and procedures.
• Sets up and assists in operation of special equipment (i.e., Stryker frame, gastric suction, wound vac, life devices, bladder scan). Assists in orienting staff in the use of this equipment.
• Assists in the coordination of patient care activities with other departments/services. Provides input for discharge planning.
• Recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance and effectively intervenes as directed or per protocol. Collaborates with the RN in development and modification of nursing care. Contributes to overall interdisciplinary care plans.

4. Initiates and implements measures to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Provides for patient privacy.

• Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures including preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination and monitoring the patient's condition before, during and after procedures.
• Performs treatments and carries out orders prescribed and written by the provider as they relate to the practice of nursing: sterile/non-sterile dressings, specimen collection, ear irrigations, O2, catheterizations. Demonstrates ability to perform complex treatments and procedures.
• Facilitates patient side of tele presenting which may include rooming the patient, completing the intake note and closing encounters, utilization of remote access equipment, completion of required documentation for providers as well as assembling and providing handout material. Completes mandatory educational requirements (TMS as well as competencies) as set forth by VHA and the office of Telehealth.

5. Consistently demonstrates professional and responsible behavior (i.e. punctuality, neat appearance, code of conduct is followed).

• Performs computer functions satisfactorily as related to the position.
  • Facilitates Video Teleconference (VTC) education activity for individual and group appointments.
  • Utilizes special equipment such as Doppler units, pulse oximetry, centrifuge, label accessioner, ear irrigation system needed to perform job duties including computer and printer.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to phlebotomy and specimen handling.

6. Documents patient care in the medical record according to Patient Care Management guidelines. Documentation is comprehensive and reflects current patient status.

• Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing care and reports to the RN.
  • Assists new staff in orientation to patient care, as it applies to own nursing unit, through shared knowledge of clinical expertise.
  • Consistently demonstrates professional and responsible behavior (i.e. punctuality, neat appearance, code of conduct is followed).

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Telework: Ad Hoc basis according to business needs
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 91538A, 91539A, 91540A, 91541A
Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates
EDRP Authorized: Contact visn10hredrpslrp@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
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 evaluation.
• 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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. [Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. 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.
  • VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions.
  • 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 (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. An 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 with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.
• 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), and 7407(d).

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.

Grade 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.
Grade 4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN;
OR
(b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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
(c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
(d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.
Grade 5:
(a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
Grade 6:
(a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
(b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
(c) 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 registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13

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

Physical Requirements:
This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires the nurse to read printed material and distinguish colors, such as reading doctor's orders and visualizing the hue of a patient's skin, wounds, etc., and conduct visual inspections during patient assessment, including the ability to accurately perceive depth so as to move around workspace safely and to appropriately make contact with Veterans. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required, exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 15 pounds of force to frequently move objects. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The nurse may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The nurse may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The nurse must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. This includes but is not limited to the ability to work independently, ability to recognize situations beyond function/knowledge/training and request appropriate assistance. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The nurse who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.

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, resume, 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.