Licensed Practical Nurse- Primary Care

Internal Number : 748533200

This position serves as a member of a VHA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), a patient-centered medical home model of care that is accessible, timely, coordinated, continuous, comprehensive, and compassionate.

The PACT LPN completes assigned duties under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, using judgement in selecting the order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information.

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 : Education : Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and / or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly : National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission).

See "Education" section for additional requirements and exceptions. 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. 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).

Grade Determinations : The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

• In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each -03. None beyond the basic -04 : Six months of qualifying experience as an 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-05. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs : 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 registered nurse (RN) and / or physician (MD / DO) to appropriately orient / train less experienced LPNs 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-06. Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs : 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 RN or 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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.

Prepares / 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.

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 full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

The PACT LPN completes assigned duties / responsibilities which involve performing non-standard and specialized Licensed Practical Nurse activities requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to independently resolve a range of nursing care decision making with minimal periodic supervision by the Registered Nurse.

Major Duties include, but are not limited to : Provide nursing care of the patient with multiple geriatric, psychiatric, and / or medical problems.

Perform a variety of nursing care activities, which include (but not limited to) : vital signs, pain screening, clinical reminders, blood draws (as applicable), brace / splint application, ear irrigation, culture specimen collection, dressing changes, suture / staple removal and EKG.

Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care which expedites the patient's return to, or maintenance of, optimal functioning by providing continuity of care of each patient's individual needs.

Observe, report, and record current observations such as patient's physical condition, emotional response, observes skin condition, variations in vital signs, personal habits of patient, and listens for clues to patient's reaction to illness and treatment, and documents in approved format.

Recognize the need for and institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and / or pulmonary arrest.

Interpret the appropriate information to identify each patient's age-specific needs and to provide the identified care. Respond to concerns of patients and visitors in a manner that is effective and improves customer satisfaction.

Check equipment, supplies, and containers to ensure products are not outdated and are stocked appropriately according to unit procedure.

Prepare and administer prescribed medications and performs treatments according to established policies and procedures. Participate in patient / family teaching programs related to health promotion and reinforces instructions provided by the Registered Nurse and provider.

Manage a group of patients for diagnostic testing results, return appointment notification, and follow up telephone calls as necessary.

Use knowledge of pharmacology to recognize problems with outpatient medication administration, as prescribed by the Primary Care Provider.

Initiate consultations for patients on behalf of the primary care provider, who retains responsibility for patient care.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday; 0830-1700 with the possibility of extended hours and occasional Saturdays. Telework : Not Available Virtual : This is not a virtual position. Relocation / Recruitment