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Duties:

• The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS-7 engages in nursing care requires the knowledge and skills of an individual licensed as an LVN/ LPN.
• The Licensed Practical Nurse GS-7 maintains a high level of practice and functions independently as the Charge Nurse for the tour responsible and for the quality of care delivered by other licensed and non-licensed nursing staff. Any deviations from normal practice patterns are reported to the Nurse Manager or Nursing Supervisor timely.
• Maintains consistent assignments, as much as possible.
• Uses an ADL documentation system to validate proper care in fluid consumption, bowel elimination, and other activities of daily living.
• The LPN demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to Residents 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 Resident care delivery.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer and appropriately.
• Documents actions taken specific to commonly prescribe oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures.
• Consistently documents observations to include Resident's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in the Residents condition to the RN or MD/DO.
• Demonstrates 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 choking, cardiac and/ or pulmonary arrest.
• Routinely identifies the customer's situation properly and performs the tasks required to resolve the customer's problem appropriately and in a timely manner. This include both internal and external customers. Incumbent follow-ups, as necessary, to ensure a satisfactory resolution of issues and concerns.
• Phone calls need to be answered promptly and courteously (i.e., no more than 3 rings). All voice mail messages that require a return phone call must be responded to, and in a timely manner.
• Consistently responds to requests for assistance, from Residents, families, visitors and co-workers, promptly and in a friendly, respectful and cooperative manner. In addition, assists all Customers in defining their needs and requests. Any deficiencies in this area are limited and minor have no significant adverse impact on: 1. customers and the services they require, 2. the needs of other customers, and 3. organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Listens to all customer/patient feedback, positive and negative, acts to resolve complaints within his or her control, and reports feedback to management (or team leader) in a timely manner. If a Resident, family member or visitor appears lost or in need of help, staff member offers unsolicited assistance to address the need. If appropriate, staff may escort Customer to desired location or appropriate point of contact for further assistance.
• Ends every customer interaction by asking, "Is there anything else I can do for you?" and follows-up on any response given by the customer.
• Dependably/ Reliably supports the customer service mission of the VHA facility by dressing professionally and exhibiting a professional demeanor and attitude in all customer interactions. This includes face-to-face, telephonic and e-mail interactions.
• Participates and promotes cultural transformation activities: encouraging a homelike environment including encouraging Residents bring items from home and assist them to arrange the environment as they prefer, knocking on the door and asking for permission to enter as this room is considered a home.
• Monitors for safety and assures proper implementation of safety protocols.
• Consistently provides care that assures Resident's dignity and privacy is maintained, such as coverage of dignity drainage bags, clean/shaven, nails clean and trimmed, incontinent pads are not visible on beds, Residents are always clean and neat in appearance.
• All other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 0745a - 1615p, alternating weekends and holidays.
Telework: Not Available
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Available

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.
• 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 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).
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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-7 The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment.
NOTE: Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of an RN and/or MD/DO, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision), as well as a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of patients.
(a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN.
(b) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans.
(c) Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations.
(d) Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels.
(e) Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate.
(f) Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions. This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision.

Physical requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don-protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients to are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The LPN must complete Employee Health requirements as condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019.

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.