The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) assigned to the George E. Wahlen Primary Care Clinics & Community Based Outpatient Clinics functions as a team member under the supervision of the Clinic Nurse Manager, who works under the direction of a Registered Nurse that reports to the Clinic Manager. The LPN/LVN is responsible for observing, recording & reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development & revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan. 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. 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). 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. 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/L VN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. 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. Grade Requirements GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: Six months of qualifying experience as a LPN or LVN OR 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. AND Must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge & ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical &/or behavioral problems Ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team & interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional & other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice Knowledge & skill sufficient to prepare, administer, & appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, &/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies & procedures Knowledge & ability to recognize the need for & to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO & assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac &/or pulmonary arrest Recognizes & appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, & supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action Broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures GS-6: Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent AND Must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Technically proficient in initiating, performing & completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations Knowledge & ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order & sequence of procedures & treatments; & to accurately recognize, report & record relevant patient information Ability to observe, identify & respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care & patient/family education. In organizing & delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes & considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, & age-related factors Prepares & administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular &/or intravenous) & performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical &/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly & accurately documenting noted changes, & reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO Knowledge & ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN &/or MD/DO, & initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed Knowledge & understanding of human behavior, patient motivations & reactions to situations, & ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, & other staff Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients & their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication & socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient & family rights to privacy & dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge & understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, &/or other internal/external customers Knowledge & skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests &/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing & handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, & monitoring the patient's condition before, during, & following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, & 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 & skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve & advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: Primary Care References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3, PART II, APPENDIX G13 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. 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 a weight of 35 pounds in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Program Directive 2010-032. 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 and clinic needs. ["*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 5, 2023. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be March 16, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. *** This position will provide coverage in multiple PACT Teamlets, laboratory, and Women's Health. Duties include, but are not limited to: Complete a system of nursing tasks that are age/era appropriate for the Veteran and orders that include but are not limited to the following: Injections, giving medication and vaccines as ordered Airway and breathing treatments as ordered EKG's, bladder scans, pulse oximetry, Snellen Chart Eye exams, wraps, catheterizations, woman's health exams, wound observations and documentation, Dopplers of legs, foot exams (monofilament exams), skin observations, hygiene and simple nutrition teaching, medication teaching, suture removal glucose meter reading and transmission into the medical record Complete a system of tasks that are specific to Primary Care Services which includes but is not limited to: Vital signs collection, completion and interpretation, specimen collections and phlebotomy as prescribed by policy, administers and participates in team assignments, determines a medical emergency and assists with care provided Completes clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated Assists with procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy Data collection and documentation intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing note Based on the patient's goals, reinforces patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness Assists in medication reconciliation. Notifies the provider of changes Closes encounters daily Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions Based on the patient's goals provides patient and family health education, to include self­management, prevention and wellness Properly handles, reprocesses, and maintains reusable medical equipment according to unit policy, Standard Operating Procedures, and VHA directives Maintains confidentiality and privacy of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information (HIPPA) Demonstrates initiative in assisting the PACT team and other multi-disciplinary teams Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention Demonstrates understanding of age and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran Interacts and communicates in a Veteran-centered manner with patients and family members Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures Assists in the orientation and competency validation of students, peers and clerical staff Serves as an advocate in the protection of patient and family rights Completes mandatory reviews, including motivational interviewing, in order to promote patient self management toward individualized life plan of care Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner, using evidence-based principles Demonstrates 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 Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage, malfunction, or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies Appropriately utilizes the computer and various computer packages to enter and retrieve electronic data, i.e., CPRS, VISTA, mailman, leave requests, and patient information (progress notes, patient education, etc.) Supports the mission of increasing and supporting virtual appointments 0/VC) Identifies and participates in process improvement initiatives Participates in unit level quality improvement activities Maintains Joint Commission standards related to patient care Completes annual nursing mandatory reviews as well as competencies and continuous learning requirements Initiates patient calls and patient care follow-up in accordance with facility policy Work Schedule: M-F varying shifts 7AM to 5:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52470A, 52471A, 52472A, 52473A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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