**This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 31, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every 2 weeks. Eligible applications received after that date will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.** 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Training: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State Agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); OR Received health care education/training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualified for full LPN/LVN licensure. 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. [NOTE: YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR LICENSE NUMBER OR SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT LICENSURE WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE]. 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). 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: GS-3 Licensed Vocational Nurse: Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Licensed Vocational Nurse: A) Experience. Six (6) months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN. OR B) Education. Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. [NOTE: TRANSCRIPT(S) MUST BE SUBMITTED IF EDUCATION IS BEING USED TO QUALIFY. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) OK.] OR C) Education and Experience. 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. [NOTE: TRANSCRIPT(S) MUST BE SUBMITTED IF EDUCATION IS BEING USED TO QUALIFY. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) OK.] GS-5 Licensed Vocational Nurse: Experience. One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-04 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-04 LPN/LVN: 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. 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. GS-6 Licensed Vocational Nurse: Experience. One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-05 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the 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. 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. 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. 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualifications Standard, http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity (Correctable to 20/40), hearing clear distinctive speech (correctable to 20db), and manual dexterity to perform prescribed procedures/computer usage. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or during patient 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, and is able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a direct care provider who has the technical proficiency, excellent observation skills necessary for initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in delivering comprehensive practical nursing care to variable patient populations in the residential setting. The LVN works under the supervision of an RN and reports to the Nurse Manger of the DOM. The LVN demonstrates active collaboration and communication with the Mental Health Team. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Uses judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments: 1)Has knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specializedpractices or procedures. 2)Utilizes two (2) patient identifiers when rooming patients, providing treatments or procedures, andobtaining specimen. 3)Demonstrates knowledge of \"time out\" process before any procedures. Uses judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines: 1)Consistently uses sound judgment with demonstrating the ability to assist the RN to plan patient careand set priorities. 2)Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of age, cultural, and population specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. 3)Initiates and participates in preventative health screening and instructions (i.e., diet and exercise, alcohol abuse, smoking cessation, immunizations mammograms, CDC guidelines, etc.) for mental health patients. Performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care in the Mental Health HVRP/First Step Programs, including but not limited to: 1) Oxygen therapy. 2) Performs EKG, V/S, Blood sugar, etc. 3) Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated. 4) Checks expiration dates of meds and supplies. 5) Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Monitors patient during the procedure. Indirect Patient Care: a. Accurately recognizes, reports, and records relevant patient information. b. Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve performance. c. Adheres to principles of infection control and consistently practices Standard Precautions and other infection control measures, including good hand hygiene and promotes compliance with procedures for patients with suspected communicable disease, utilization of personal protective equipment, etc. Work Schedule: 1530-0000 / 2330-0800 / 2x 0730-1600 Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation or Recruitment Incentive (Sign On Bonus): Authorized for highly qualified candidate Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
