Clarification from the agency

Open to current VA San Diego Healthcare System Employees

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The LVN at the GS-6 level assumes the following responsibilities:

1. This position requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 1a complex healthcare system that encompasses a variety of Inpatient and Outpatient services to Veterans.
2. Obtains/collects specimens as ordered.
3. Provides direct patient care and support for the patient.
4. Recognizes changes in patient's condition and deviations from baseline that require immediate intervention. Responds to emergent patient conditions in a safe and effective manner, i.e., effectively recognizes life- threatening situations and takes immediate action.
5. Executes interventions in accordance with treatment plans.
6. Completes CPRS documentation and signs all patient related activity while following documentation timelines and protocols (i.e., within tour of duty, closing encounters per policy).
7. Documentation is factual, objective, accurate, consistent, timely, and complete in electronic medical record.
8. Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
9. Provides timely patient follow-up.
10. Administers medications and treatments to patients with complex nursing problems.
11. Assists with coordinating care of patient.
12. Implements nursing interventions/orders in a timely and complete manner.
13. Provide patient education related to managing risk factors, medications, procedures, and other medical regimens related to disease process/specialty clinic, within scope of practice.
14. Adheres to ethical principles and standards in delivering care.
15. Collaborates and communicates effectively with the Interdisciplinary Care Team regarding patient care.
16. Demonstrate mandatory and clinical competencies of the position.
17. Educates patients on provided discharge instructions related to their disease process, ensuring the patient can ask questions.
18. Recognizes changes in patient's condition and deviations from baseline that require immediate intervention.
19. Apply infection control measures appropriately in delivering care.
20. Alerts providers (physicians/nurse practitioners) of abnormal signs and symptoms and/or abnormal test results to expedite care.
21. Participates in coaching and mentoring of colleagues or new employees.
22. Participates in daily OMS huddles and unit specific staff meetings.
23. Provides in-services related to team building or specialty care as needed.
24. Evaluates and documents patient response to interventions and progress towards attainment of goals and expected outcomes.
25. Seeks opportunity for self-improvement.
26. Participates in continuous performance improvements.
27. Performs bedside Point of Care testing, to include nasal swabs.
28. Recognizes potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, and able to rapidly call a "Rapid Response Treatment (RRT)" or "Code Blue" emergency. The LVN/LPN must be able to recognize changes in a patient's condition, such as shortness of breath, changes in skin condition (i.e., diaphoresis, flushness), tachycardia, or sudden loss of consciousness.
29. Knowledge of external regulatory standards relevant to the scope and protocols of the position, such as the Joint Commission to meet accreditation standards and the mission and goals of VASDHS.
30. Demonstrate ability to be self-directed in clinical practice and works to the maximum of licensure scope. Actively participates in interdisciplinary committees, task forces or other groups to improve organizational performance through collaboration with other health care providers across service lines for the betterment of the patient.
31. Performs bedside wound care management
32. Collaborates with the Registered Nurse or Charge Nurse when the patient requires a higher level of care that is not manageable in Community Living Center.
33. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year current experience in LTC/CLC/Palliative care setting

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 1900-0730 & 0700-1930
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. United States Citizenship
• English Language. Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• 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:
  1. 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.
  2. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) 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.
  3. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.

Grade Determinations:

• GS-6 Experience: 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. LPN must be technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing car to variable patient populations; Possess 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; Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs; Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures; Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations; Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (up to 44 pounds); Moderate carrying (up to 44 pounds); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking, kneeling and standing up to 1.5 hours; repeated bending; both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted).

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.