This position is located at the Knoxville, Tennessee CBOC. The LPN is accountable for delivering patient care to the adult geriatric patient population with a varying diagnosis and treatments. 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. 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. Licensure. Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to as a graduate licensed practical or vocational nurse in any State. English Language Proficiency. Nurses appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 4105, 4114(f) and 5010(b). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-6 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. 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, socio-economic, 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. Preferred Experience: None References: References: A regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-13 LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6 Physical Requirements: The position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This also includes frequently pushing medication carts, wheelchairs, lifts, and beds. The LPN must be able to care for Veterans with various medical and psychiatric issues. At times, these Veterans exhibit unpredictable behavior. The LPN must be able to work closely with others, have sufficient hearing to respond to various alarms, and must be able to communicate verbally and in writing. They will make caring for the Veteran their priority while in the work setting, and demonstrate customer service principles in all aspects of work. The LPN is subject to exposure of communicable diseases. The use of personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, gloves, facial/eye protection, and protective clothing is required. The LPN will have exposure to biohazard materials and sharps on a routine basis. ["GS Pay Scale The LPN carries out assignments under the direction and with minimum supervision of the registered nurse (RN). The LPN is assigned duties that require a high degree of skills and accuracy in performing technical procedures using powers of observation, perception and judgment. The work involves a sequence of duties requiring the employee to set priorities and determine the proper nursing procedures. The LPN will work assigned tours of duty. Professional nurses are available for guidance, direction or clarification and interpretation when necessary. The LPN will: 1. Ensure proper identification of patient/resident per policy before administering care. 2. Assist co-workers willingly without having to be asked, and present an attitude that promotes unified teamwork. 3. Function in collaboration with the registered nurse in identifying needs of patients and carrying out assignments. 4. Demonstrate keen observation skills with accurate reporting and recording of significant changes in patients' conditions and actions taken. 5. Assist the RN with admission of a patient. 6. Function as one-to-one nurse in Primary Care under the direct supervision of the NM/designee. 7. Recognize and communicate with NM/team leader and/or designee the need for additional instructions for self and those under their direct supervision. Assists in data gathering for patient education needs, suture removal wound care/dressing, wound cultures, diagnostic skin testing and Unna boot application. 8. Treatment/exam room maintenance (infection control, supplies stocked, equipment operational). 9. Assist with gynecological procedures as indicated, such as pap smear, colposcopy, transvaginal ultrasound, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), biopsies and minor surgical procedures. 10. Practice safety precautions according to written procedure in performance of duties when working with patients and patient's personal care devices, medication administration and unit equipment. 11. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: 6:45 am - 5:30 pm CWS with a scheduled day off per week Compressed/Flexible: CWS with a scheduled day off per week Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Special Rate Table: V0OB"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
