This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/471465300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is a tertiary care teaching hospital providing the highest level quality care from cardiology to neurology to primary and mental health care for 70,000 Veterans along the South Carolina and Georgia coast. For the past two years, the Ralph H. Johnson VA achieved an overall annual 5-Star rating according to VA's Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning Value (SAIL) model. The Charleston VA is also ranked in the top 10th percentile according to the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS). HEDIS is an independent review that measures performance of 90 percent of America's health plans and facilities in both the public and private sector on dimensions of care and service. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is a center of excellence for robotic surgery and orthopedics, and is the first VA National Tele-Mental Health Hub providing care for Veterans across the U.S. The 149-bed hospital includes six community based outpatient clinics, a 20-bed nursing home, women's health, and the full range of inpatient and outpatient care, including medical and surgical intensive care. The VAMC provides more than 875,000 outpatient visits and approximately 4,400 in-patient stays annually. With more than 2,500 employees, Charleston VA has an annual budget of $458 million, research funding of more than $21 million, and more than 100 principle investigators participating in approximately 300 research studies. For more information, visit www.charleston.va.gov.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
06/21/2017 to 06/28/2017
$31,823 - $47,734 per year
GS 03 - 06
1 vacancy in the following location:
Not required
No
Permanent - Excepted Service Permanent
Full-time - Full Time
06
No
NZ-17-BLW-1970140-BU
471465300
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a member of the Community Living Center health care team and accountable for the delivery of quality nursing care. This team member will support the clinical needs of Veterans admitted to long-term, Community Living Center. He/she develops competence to provide care appropriate to adult and geriatric patients in his or her assigned clinical area. This nurse has the knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and with assistance from the registered nurse carries out complex practical nursing care assignments, including assignments for selected psychiatric patients requiring skilled nursing care.
Duties include, but not limited to:
Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm or 3:30pm-12:00am (Midnight), Rotating weekends and Federal Holidays. Overtime, including weekends and Federal Holidays may be required.
Functional Statement Title/#: Licensed Practical Nurse/534-000000
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 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.
Subject to a 1-year probationary period.
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship: Eligible candidates must be a US Citizen. Non-citizens may
be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, in
accordance with VA Policy.
Licensure: Eligible candidate must possess current, full, active, and
unrestricted registration as a LPN/LVN in a US State, Commonwealth, Territory,
or the District of Columbia.
Education/Experience: Please refer to the information below.
Physical Requirements: Eligible candidates must complete a physical
examination (as determined by the Employee Health Unit) and maintain the
required physical standards required for the position.
Language Proficiency: Eligible candidates must be proficient in English
(both spoken and written) in accordance to VA Policy.
Preferred Experience: Preferred Experience: 2-3 years of long term care and hospice experience preferred. BLS certification required.
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.
Grade Determinations:
GS-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.
GS-4: Candidates may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet
any of the following criteria:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or
(b) 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
(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.
GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the
GS-4 level or equivalent AND
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of
equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to
appropriate personnel for corrective action.
(f) Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO.
Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge
of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices
or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review
GS-6: 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 AND
(a) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned
duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) 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 reports any deviations
from normal to RN or MD/DO.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) 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.
(h) 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.
(i) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge
and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and
advance nursing practice.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 - Licensed Practical Nurse or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard, dated 04/10/2003.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience to recommend the grand and step at which the candidate will be placed. The salary is based on the grade and step approved for the selected candidate.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: 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. The Professional Standards Board (a
peer-review group) will recommend the grade and salary for new
appointments. For internal selectees being promoted, the board will
determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
·Other (10-2850c, )
·Resume
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (required). Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey=&Action=Search
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
· VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (required). Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey=&Action=Search
· Resume, including a list of professional references (required)
· Proof of Veterans Status - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you must provide a copy of your DD214 (Member Copy) and copy of the VA Disability rating letter (if applicable)
****All required documents must be received by the closing of the
announcement or you will be considered ineligible for this
position****
Please use this checklistto make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, etc. You will not be contacted for additional information.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), or 10pt (CP/CPS, XPP, XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section(s) provided. A legible copy of your DD214(s) indicating character of service, disability certification, SF-15 (if claiming 10 pt. preference) or if you are currently serving on active duty and expected to be released or discharged within 120 days; documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Documentation is required for eligibility verification.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1970140.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/471465300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
INSTRUCTIONS:
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 1970140
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is recruiting for highly qualified Licensed Practical Nurse for our Community Living Center (CLC).
NOTE: Current VA employees should apply to announcement # NZ-17-BLW-1970124-BU
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?