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Stand ready with VA to help in an emergency A disaster can strike at any time - an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, or global pandemic can leave our Veterans, families, and communities in desperate need of help. That's why the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is creating Clinical Deployment Teams (CDTs) to stand ready to assist. We're looking for clinical personnel to serve on these teams and help transform how we provide health care services in times of great need. 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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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. 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 LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN. Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, 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 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. 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. 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. Preferred Experience and Certifications Outpatient/Ambulatory Care/Clinic Setting ["The Specialty Clinics Nurse is responsible for providing clinical nursing care and administrative functions within their assigned Specialty Clinic. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for observing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient's condition. The LPN will initiate appropriate actions based on the treatment plan and his/her observation of the veteran's condition. The LPN assists with providing patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, and wellness, based on the patient's goals. The position assignment may include the following Medical Specialty Clinics- Podiatry, Ortho, GI, Renal, Rheumatology, General Surgery, Vascular as well as additional medicine/surgical specialty clinics--as well as other clinical and/or administrative assignments necessary to meet the mission of the VA CT Healthcare System. The LPN assumes essential personnel status during emergencies. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Collects data on the physical (vital signs, weight, blood work, etc.) and psychological needs of assigned patients, and assists in prioritizing immediate needs. Correctly performs procedures with an LPN scope of practice (dressing changes, bladder scans, injections, EKGs, pod tech duties, etc..) or seeks help when needed. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care and reports any equipment in need of repair. Recognizes subtle abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and notifies the Registered Nurse. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seeks the assistance of the RN or provider, and assists in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Documents collected data and all events occurring during the visit. Follows established hospital safety policies and supports a safe, hazard-free health-care environment. Demonstrates appropriate behavioral/verbal responses to situations in which potential risk/danger exists for patients, visitors, employees, or property. Establishes professional relationships that are courteous and cooperative with veterans, co-workers, and supervisors. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Compressed/Flexible: No Telework: Not Available Travel: None required. Virtual: This is not a virtual position."]

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