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The PACT LPN practices within Patient Care Services for Primary Care Services of Montana VA Healthcare System at Fort Harrison Ambulatory Care and/or CBOCs and supports the mission and vision of Patient Care Services and the Healthcare System. The PACT LPN serves adult and elderly Veterans needing Primary Care Services. This position is located in Bozeman, MT. 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: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant. 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. English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in [both] spoken and written English. 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-06: Completion of at least 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. 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 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Requires potential long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders, must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["***This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30,2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 30th, 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.*** Using the PACT Model of Care, the PACT LPN provides full range of practical nursing care for primary care; provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to medication, prescribed treatment regimens, and chronic care management; interacts with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in delivery of patient care; prepares, administers, and appropriately documents actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications as permitted by approved local policy; documents all observations, treatments and nursing care provided in the computer record; recognizes the need for and to institute emergency measures, when indicated, promptly seeking assistance of RN or MD, recognizes and responds to breakage/malfunction of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies; assists in maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient centered environment. An integral role in PACT, the LPN will function as a nursing team member within the scope of practice determined by licensure and Healthcare System policy and procedure standards. He/she uses standardized procedures in the observation and care of the ill and provides health promotion and patient teaching under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52840-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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