The primary purpose of the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, position customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. 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 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission]. Exceptions include: Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency: Licensed vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: Evidence of Lean Belt training or experience 1 year of Charge Nurse/preceptor experience 1 year of Professional Governance participation Other role-related technical skills Grade Determinations: GS-03: 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-04: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-04 if they meet any of the following criteria: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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-04 level or equivalent. 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. 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. GS-06: Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-05 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. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G13 Physical requirements for this position are listed in the Education section of this announcement. ["CTVHCS is in the process of making a cultural change, shifting from a disease-focused approach to a health and wellbeing approach, in order to implement the Whole Health System of Care. This is a VA-wide initiative to provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to improve healthcare delivery at all stages of Veteran care. This entails moving from an episodic, \"siloed\" approach to an interdisciplinary, holistic approach, emphasizing self-care in the larger context of well-being. All staff in this facility will be part of this process, shifting the focus from the question, \"What's the matter with you?\" to the question, \"What matters to you, and how can we help you live your best life?\" This strategy also involves integrating a full range of conventional approaches with Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) approaches in order to optimize lifelong health and well-being, as defined by the Veteran, rather than narrowly focusing on disease management. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscularand/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes 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 and/or a provider. 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. Incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members and/or other internal/external customers. Performs 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 LVNs or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. Performs and documents focused assessment and reports abnormal findings to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager and/or RN Team Leader. Assigns, manages and directs other LVNs and Nurses' Aides in the delivery of patient/resident care. The LVN demonstrates the ability to assign patients/residents care needs and the capability of the staff to meet those needs. Demonstrates a basic 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. Administers oxygen therapy. Medication administration to include IV medication if certified. Completes clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated. Ensures medications/supplies are not expired and removed from inventory. Accurately performs delegated procedures and treatments. Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. EKG, lab draws. Data collection and documentation intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing note. Based on the patient's goals, reinforces patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness. Assists in medication reconciliation. Notifies the provider of changes. Measures, records vital signs and enters them in CPRS. Reports all significant deviations to the RN and/or health care provider immediately. Applies skin tests and measures and documents results. Visual acuity tests. Completes daily check of the AED. Completes the Blood Glucose meter check daily, as applicable. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication. Demonstrates proficiency in utilizing the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) system to administer medication to individual or a group of patients safely and efficiently. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Discloser 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.
