Clarification from the agency

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The LPN administers medications according to policies and procedures using knowledge of proper techniques and procedures. This is further defined according to each LPN, GS level. The LPN also documents observations, treatments, procedures, medications, and conditions electronically, via CPRS, BMCA and EDIS, and reports them verbally to the appropriate person, generally the Registered Nurse. Recurring duties are carried out independently. The employee recognizes the need for, and seek guidance when necessary, to ensure quality resident care.
The LPN provides age appropriate nursing care to residents.

• The LPN is responsible for observing, recording and reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan for life.
• The LPN works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) who provides a general review of work for appropriateness and conformity with license, policies and procedures.
• The LPN observes and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response and informs RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition.
• The LPN performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care in the clinic, including, but not limited to: oxygen therapy, medication administration, clinical reminders, check expiration dates, delegated procedures and treatments, documentation, assists with minor procedures, draws blood from the patient, explains the procedures to patients, prepares the area for blood samples, uses proper personal protective equipment, and collects urine samples.
• The LPN adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication.
• The LPN also promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance, and initiates appropriate emergency interventions.
• Observing changes in resident's condition (e.g. behavior shifts, mood changes, skin coloring, appetite, etc.}
• Proper Aseptic Technique for IV placement, maintenance, and removal
• Proficient with IV infusion pumps
• Proper use/documentation of glucometer including interpretation of results
• Catheter placement and maintenance
• Documenting care provided and observations on appropriate tools or forms
• Administering medications, stoma care (e.g. tracheotomy, suctioning, colostomy), enemas, skin care, simple dressing, braces and prosthetic devices. Monitors intake and output according to established policy and procedure
• Recognizing the resident's autonomy and promoting independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment
• Reinforces age related healthcare education for residents and/or significant others
• Serves as team leader to a group of residents, observing nursing care delivered and reporting concerns to the charge nurse
• Administers nursing care to residents, such as baths or showers, enemas, treatments and minor dressing changes, as assigned.
• Assists residents in achieving optimum muscle functioning by positioning, turning and providing active or passive range of motion. Moves, lifts, and transfers residents using standard equipment
• Assists health care providers with procedures by assembling equipment, positioning/holding the resident, and/or handling equipment/instruments. Prepares resident for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.
• Nephrostomy and Cystostomy tube dressing change.
• Demonstrates competency in the preparation, administration and documentation of medications according to policy and procedure.
• Performs all components of IV therapy according to the unit's scope of care.
• Performs venipunctures to withdraw blood from peripheral veins according to policies and procedures.
• Observes and monitors residents during transfusion of blood or blood products, according to policy and procedure.
• Inserting a midline catheter;
• De-clotting a catheter;
• Repairing a catheter;
• Inserting and removing PICC and mid-clavicular catheters;
• Managing specialized catheters for analgesia; and
• Removing non-surgically placed central and arterial catheters
• Monitors residents according to levels of observation, acuity, and assignment.
• Utilizes observation skills for data collection, reporting and documentation.
• Promotes performance improvement initiatives, identifies problems, collects data, and supports change.
• Identifies, reports and documents change in resident's behavior or condition to the RN and appropriate collaborative treatment team members. Recognized variations that require reporting. Promptly reports deviations from normal.

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
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements 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

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Must be a graduate of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Must have a full, current, active and unrestricted license as a graduate licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or District of Columbia.
• Must pass a pre-employment examination if selected.

• Grade Determinations: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN:
• Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• 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.
• 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, socioeconomic, and age-related factors.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6

• .Physical Requirements: Incumbent is required to spend a large portion of the work day standing.
• 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).

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, résumé, 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.

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.