The VA Hudson Valley Health Care System is recruiting for three (3) full-time Licensed Practical Nurses for the Specialty Clinics. LPNs will work out of both the Montrose and Castle Point Campuses. 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 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). 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. GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs (a) through (c) 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.(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. GS-6. (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.(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. Preferred Experience: 2-3 years experience in Outpatient Specialty Care Clinics and/or medical/surgical nursing; experience assisting providers with invasive procedures; dermatology experience. BLS Certification from the American Heart Association is required. References: VA Handbook 5005, 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. ["The VA Hudson Valley HCS is currently recruiting for three (3) Full-Time LPN for the Specialty Outpatient Clinics. The Licensed Practical Nurse works in a patient centered setting working under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, RN, and/or MD for the administration and evaluation of nursing care delivery to their assigned patients and will primarily provide nursing support to the Outpatient Specialty Clinics including: Cardiology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, ENT, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology and Rheumatology. Assists the Specialty Providers with procedures that include knowledge of Nursing SOP's and Policies and related to National Patient Safety Goals. Examples of procedures include: thyroid biopsies, skin biopsies, laryngoscopy, joint injections and other invasive procedures. Participates in the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patients' treatment plan. Interacts with patients in groups in accordance with the treatment plan; observes, identifies, and responds to the patients' needs for nursing, medication, and equipment-assisted care. Completes clinical reminders and patient screening, perform EKGs, take vital signs, perform phlebotomy, administer vaccinations, and assist in Video Telehealth and group clinics as needed. Collaborates with providers and registered nurses in performance of duties in attainment of performance measures. Assists in continuous readiness for surveys and maintain a safe environment of care. Incumbent must successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision. Must possess a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures of nursing practice within their scope of practice. Incumbent may also serve as leader or co-leader in specialty nursing or for a specifically identified group of patients. Demonstrates leadership theory and skills in unit/program that results in improved outcomes. Work Schedule: Days with rotation to WHEN (weekend, holiday, evening, night) hours NOTE: Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular work hours and extended hours (WHEN hours), and provide coverage at both the Montrose and Castle Point campuses. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment Incentive Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of this position include lifting, prolonged standing &sitting, frequent bending, walking (distance), climbing, reaching (overhead, extensive/repetitive), pulling, pushing, repetitive motion & stooping. The mental/sensory requirements include recall, reasoning, problem- solving, hearing, speaking clearly, writing legibly, keyboarding, reading & logical thinking, depth perception, hearing (aide permitted); near/far vision correctable to meet Driver's License requirements. The environment's pace can vary from steady to a sometimes fast pace requiring handling of multiple priorities, frequent, sometimes intense customer interactions, & the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes noisy environment. This position has the potential for exposure to hazardous waste & chemicals, infectious disease and requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to minimize exposure to disease, illness & hazardous materials. Work requires extensive walking, standing, stretching & bending in caring for patients. This position requires emotional & mental stability to effectively perform the essential functions of the job and respond appropriately in emergency situations. The position requires visual & auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective nursing care. The position requires the nurse to work for long periods of time with arms above shoulder level or with neck fully flexed or extended position & the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally ill patients."]
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