Licensed Practical Nurse - Ambulatory Care

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

02Education

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.

03Licensure

Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth 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(d).

04Grade Determinations

GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements listed above. GS-4.

Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs (a) through (c) below: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. 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 1 year of (additional) qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent. 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.

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.

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.

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. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 06.

05Physical Requirements

This position includes a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by nurses such as direct patient care, and potentially long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling. See VA Handbook 5019 and local LPN physical standards.

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) reports to the designated Nurse Manager and is responsible and accountable for the provision of patient care and for delivery of quality nursing care to a culturally diverse veteran patient population (internal/external).

Performs practical nursing measures with precision and efficiency, consistent with Medical Center Policy and procedure and within legal and ethical responsibilities of his/her licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Demonstrate working practices that include adherence to infection control standards and the safe use and operation of equipment. Seeks guidance from RN and/or provider regarding resolution of clinical issues. May be assigned other duties deem necessary to support organizational goals.

All other duties as assigned. The incumbent may receive a variety of additional assignments or special projects either to meet the needs of the medical center or designed for professional growth of the individual. Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Ability to acknowledge and report technical issues that may delay or impede productive work efforts.

Assists during emergent situations, initiates, and / or assist with CPR, choking, fire emergencies, etc., and obtains equipment and supplies as requested by the RN or physician. Administers medication accurately and promptly under the general supervision of a RN. Demonstrates understanding of the effects and/or reactions caused by medications, treatments, and procedures. Records and reports these observations to RN.

Performs personal care, diagnostic support duties and treatments according to procedure under the direction of the RN in a timely manner. Responds to patient's nursing needs, including physical comfort, and emotional needs and recognizing problems from the normal. Strive to involves patients and family to participate in the provision of care throughout the continuum. Participates and reinforces resources and referrals. Completes assignments in a timely manner with constructive utilization of remining time.

Initiates, administer, assess, monitor, and report IV sites, start intravenous fluids and piggyback solutions prepared by Pharmacy. This involves monitoring IV fluids with/without medications, monitor flow of IV fluids, change IV tubing and IV site dressing, discontinues IV site. Discontinues blood products. Documents care provided as such.

Independently established priorities and varies the sequence of nursing cage based on the patient's conditions and/or response to treatment in or to accomplish assigned tasks with limited supervision by the end of tour.

06Preferred Experience

3 years LPN/ 1 year PACT or primary care experience, 1 year of specialty/procedure based experience in GYN. Experience with PAP Smears, IUD placement and removal, Nexplanon placement and removal setup and patient preparation. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0730-1600. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:1793FA Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.