Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The Licensed Practical Nurse provides safe and individualized nursing care to patients in the Specialty clinic setting. The incumbent collaborates, and communicates effectively with the veteran, families, caregivers, professionals and other supportive staff both internal and external. The LPN is required to initiate appropriate actions based on his/her observations of the patient's condition. with minimum of supervision. Duties are performed under the general supervision of a RN or Healthcare Provider (HCP). Individuals at this grade are expected to have broad working knowledge of practice nursing procedures, however, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer high-level review.

The LPN/LVN GS 7 Nurse is characterized by the following:

• . Knowledge and skill to care for a wide range of patients from chronic to critically ill. Comprehensive understanding of disease conditions, nursing principals, standards and practices to be able to coordinate the nursing care required in the outpatient clinic setting and to alter the sequence and/or care delivered to meet individual patient's needs.
• Knowledge and skill to interpret common test results and other medical data. Skill in observing the patient for subtle changes and deviations from normal and in documenting and reporting this information. Ability to independently adjust or modify care being delivered to meet the changing needs of the patient with notification to the RN or provider for concurrence.
• Knowledge of human behavior with advanced skill in incorporating established customer service standards into practice.
• Knowledge and skill to incorporate planned patient education into care routine and modify as necessary to meet needs of the patient. 5. Knowledge of medical equipment and supplies with advanced skill to set and/or operate specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as scientific principles underlaying the nursing care and or procedures to be carried out.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to detect subtle changes which indicate potential for cardiac or respiratory arrest. Skills to promptly recognize and effectively intervene in potential urgent and emergent situations.
• Knowledge of standard precautions, medical asepsis and sterile technique with ability to correctly apply these principles and techniques to a variety of patient care situations and to assist others to do so.
• Knowledge about drug side effects, purposes, therapeutic dosage range and toxic effects with skill sufficient to administer a wide range of medications including large volume IV solutions. Ability to accurately calculate IV drip rate and adjust rates of IV fluids to maintain fluid as per provider order.
• Knowledge of written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of VISTA and CPRS in order to function and a super user for patient record access and documentation issues.

• Demonstrates knowledge of reusable instruments, equipment, medical devices, and supplies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of items that are sent to SPD for reprocessing and/or sterilization.
• Can suspend the reuse of any RME if it is suspected that the device was not properly cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized per the Standard Operating Procedures and/or Manufacturer's guidelines.
• Demonstrates knowledge of items of the initial decontamination process that must be taken prior to transport of items and the appropriate method of transport.
• Must have annual validation of competency in the set-up, reprocessing, and maintenance of specific reusable medical equipment.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance in reprocessing of the RME and the significant impact on our Veteran population through the risk of infectious disease.

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.
• 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• 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.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

Preferred experience in surgical and/or ambulatory care


Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizen may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.


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


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.


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


Grade Determinations:GS-7.


(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-6 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.


(d) 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.


(e) 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.


(f) 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.


(g) 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.


(h) 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. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers.


(i) 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. 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.


(j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Physical Demands: 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. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent 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 incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who 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. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.


References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13; Dated, April 2003.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

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.