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The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is administratively responsible and accountable to the Nurse Manager (NM) /designee. The LPN is accountable for delivering patient care to the adult geriatric patient population with a varying diagnosis and treatments. The LPN carries out assignments under the direction and with minimum supervision of the registered nurse (RN). The LPN is assigned duties that require a high degree of skills and accuracy in performing technical procedures. 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. Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to as a graduate licensed practical or vocational nurse in any State. English Language Proficiency. Nurses appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 4105, 4114(f) and 5010(b). Preferred Experience: Demonstrated interpersonal competence Dependability and Experience in a variety of clinical settings. Experience in a variety of clinical settings. Knowledge and ability to participate actively in teaching the patient / family / significant other. Ability to function in outpatient clinics with minimal supervision. Ability to recognize and respond to potential emergent patient situations. BLS 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-6 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. 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: A regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-13 LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The LPN must be able to perform work that requires regular and recurrent walking, bending, lifting 45 pounds or more, stooping, reaching, stretching, and similar activities supporting various weights. The position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This also includes frequently pushing medication carts, wheelchairs, lifts, and beds. LPN must be able to care for Veterans with various medical and psychiatric issues. At times, these Veterans exhibit unpredictable behavior. LPN must be able to work closely with others, have sufficient hearing to respond to various alarms, and must be able to communicate verbal and in writing. He/she will make caring for the veteran his/her priority while in the work setting and demonstrate customer service principles in all aspects of work. The LPN is subject to exposure to communicable diseases. The use of personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, gloves and protective clothing is required. The LPN will have exposure to biohazard materials and sharps. ["The LPN carries out assignments under the direction and with minimum supervision of the registered nurse (RN). The LPN is assigned duties that require a high degree of skills and accuracy in performing technical procedures using powers of observation, perception and judgment. The work involves a sequence of duties requiring the employee to set priorities and determine the proper nursing procedures. The LPN will work assigned tours of duty. Professional nurses are available for guidance, direction or clarification and interpretation when necessary. The LPN (PACT) performs direct patient care activities, as appropriate to assignment, (includes, but is not limited to): Carries out assignments under the direction and with minimum supervision of the registered nurse (RN). Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age/population related needs of the Veterans served in his/her assigned service area. Functions in collaboration with the registered nurse in identifying needs of patients and carrying out assignments. Functions as one-to-one nurse in Primary Care under the direct supervision of the NM/designee. Performs duties in a safe manner to prevent patient/resident/employee accident/injury. Utilizes principles of infection control, cleanliness, and hand washing to assure a safe, clean environment to prevent cross infections. Recognizes and reports acute changes in patient conditions to the provider and documents observations appropriately. Maintains a good rapport with patient/residents, families, volunteers, visitors, and co-workers. Reviews his/her contributions to nursing care and establishes goals for personal/professional development with assistance of NM or Education/Staff Development. Recognizes and communicates with NM/team leader and/or designee the need for additional instructions for self and those under their direct supervision. Safely operates equipment such as specialized beds, prosthetic devices, and suction machines. Demonstrates the ability to utilize the computer independently, for obtaining patient information, and maintaining accurate input of data. Additional duties as required. Pay Schedule: General Schedule Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:45am - 4:30pm (May be required to work some evenings/weekends as needed for patient care) Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Telework: Not Applicable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000/Licensed Practical Nurse Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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