Career Center

The LVN performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LVN also performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. 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. Graduate of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). Full, current, active and unrestricted license as a graduate licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or District of Columbia. Must pass a pre-employment examination if selected. 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: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: 6 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 & sterile techniques & 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. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical & or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or NAs/HTs in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients & 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, & or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered & 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, & assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes & 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 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 & 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 & 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) & 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, & 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, & other staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication & 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, & or other internal/external customers Knowledge & 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 & 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, & 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G-13 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: Moderate Lifting up to 15-44 lbs , Light Lifting under 15 pounds, Moderate carrying 15-44 lbs, Light carrying under 15 pounds, Pulling hand over hand for 8-12 hours, Pushing 8-12 hours, Reaching above shoulder, Use of Fingers, Both hands required, Walking 8-12 hours, Standing 8-12 hours, kneeling 8 to 12 hours, repeated bending for 8- 12 hours, climbing, legs only 8-12 hours, Climbing, use if legs and arms and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 9/30/2022 or until filled. The first cut-off for application review will be February 18, 2022*** Additional applications will be referred as needed. The period of eligibility of your application will be 90 days. The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is expected to be able to function as a member of the nursing care team providing safe, competent, compassionate care in a timely manner under close supervision of the RN. Duties include but are not limited: Veteran Care:\n1. Provides care with minimal RN supervision to a select group of patients. Performs and documents focused assessments (i.e. pain assessment, fall risk assessment) and reports abnormal findings to the RN team leader, or charge nurse.\n2. Performs Accu-Check glucoscreen, takes and records vital signs and reports all significant deviations to the RN and/or health care provider immediately. Takes appropriate action as directed.\n3,. Evaluates the nutritional needs for patients, including feeding assistance, and performs as necessary. Provides fluid needs and administers feeding by nasogastric, gastrostomy, jejunostomy, and enteral tubes.\n4. Actively participates in interdisciplinary team planning and patient care meetings.\n5. Utilizes problem-solving process when patient problems arise. Informs RN about data obtained pertaining to the problem. Offers solutions to problems and offers feedback to ancillary members emphasizing ways to improve performance.\n6. Accepts and mentors non-RN staff and student nurses.\n7. Independently establishes priorities and varies the sequence of nursing care based on the patient's condition and/or response to treatment in order to accomplish assigned tasks by the end of the tour with limited supervision. Medical Administration\n1. Demonstrates proficiency in utilizing the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) scanner to administer medications to a group of patients safely and efficiently.\n2. Is able to serve as a preceptor for other LVNs, and can instruct others in the appropriate use of BCMA for medication administration.\n3. Is able to trouble shoot when issues with the BCMA scanners arise. Is aware of the contingency policy for medication administration and documentation should the computer system be non-functional. Veteran Safety\nThe LVN is expected to adhere to Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals and work with the members of the nursing care team to assure veteran safety. This performed under close supervision of the RN. 1. Is able to verbalize understanding of the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) and the means by which VANTHCS is assuring that these goals are met.\n2. Operates and is familiar with equipment utilized for physiological monitoring, ventilation, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, pulse oximeter, and blood/fluid warmers if assigned in areas where in use.\n3. Identifies documents and reports fall risk, confused/wandering patients to all staff. Recognizes and reports potential safety hazards and takes appropriate action to address the problem. Preferred Experience: Nursing Experience (2+ Years) Long Term Care Experience (1+ Year) Wound Care Experience (1+ Year) Hospice Experience (1+ Year) Work Schedule: 8HR &/or 12HR Shifts/May be required to work other shifts, be on call, work weekends and/or holidays as patient care and needs of the service require. Should operational needs dictate, candidates must be willing to work within other units (including community based outpatient clinics, for example) to assist and support.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Licensed Vocational Nurse/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. The VISN 17 EDRP Coordinators can be reached at VISN17EDRP2@va.gov."]