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. Program 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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. 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. 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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). GRADE DETERMININATION. In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. 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: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN. OR (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5. (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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. (a) Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) 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. (i) 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. (j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: The work requires heavy lifting (over 45 pounds); straight pulling (up to 6 hours); pushing (up to 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 6 hours); standing (up to 2 hours); repeated bending (up to 6 hours); hearing (aid may be permitted); and visual acuity correctable to 20/30. Must be able to work with hands in water and work alone and closely with others. ["A RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE IS AUTHORIZED. The duties listed are GS-6 Full Performance Level, GS-3/4/5 duties will differ in complexity and level of supervision. The LPN is technically proficient to initiate, perform, and complete assigned duties to provide care to variable patient populations with acute conditions or multiple chronic conditions, diminished functioning, or conditions associated with aging and diminished cognitive functions to include dementia, mild to severe disability, and/or palliative and hospice care. Geriatrics and Extended Care provides outpatient care for Veterans with acute and chronic health conditions. This LPN must contribute as a responsible member of the nursing care team and interact with Veterans, residents, family members, professionals, and other employees involved in the delivery of Veteran care. This position requires the physical capability to care for severely disabled Veterans who require total nursing support for most or all of their bodily functions. Nursing Care: Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education. Recognize and consider emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Have knowledge of elder abuse and the heightened standards in operation on the Community Living Center. Observe subtle signs and symptoms and immediately report to the charge nurse if there are reasons or evidence of abuse. Orient other LPNs and Certified Nursing Assistants to this issue. Demonstrate knowledge of routine medications, as well as those requiring special monitoring. Withhold medications when indicated by change in patient condition or behavior. Safety: Demonstrate adherence to safety guidelines in accordance with training classes, written procedures, and supervisory instructions. Utilize safety equipment and other devices/procedures correctly and report unsafe/unhealthful working conditions or unsafe equipment. Maintain a safe/clean work environment. Have knowledge and the ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN or MD, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Select and employ appropriate lifting/moving/transfer techniques/devices. Safely select and operate commonly used equipment per competency check-off education. Interpersonal Communication: Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions to situations to work effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Work effectively with patients, families, visitors, co-workers, and members of other services to promote positive interactions. Demonstrate respect for diversity of cultures, religious, gender orientations, and the age range of patients served. Use verbal and written communication skills to promote positive interaction and therapy. Customer Service: Establish constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes and to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills. Foster an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Always demonstrate individual courtesy, responsiveness, dependability, accountability, and commitment to service. Ensure communication is prompt, thorough, friendly, and responsive to the customer's needs. Interact in a professional and courteous manner with supervisor and other employees. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Licensed Practical Nurse - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-LPN-Career-Flyer.pdf Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:30am to 4:00pm. Compressed Schedule: Available, 9 hours per day with every other Friday off. Recruitment Incentive: Authorized. Permanent Change of Station: Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000."]

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