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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. 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. 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. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in (both) spoken and written 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency (or) the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. [Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. 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. Grade Determinations: 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. Preferred Experience: 1. At least one (1) year clinical experience as an LPN is required. 2. Inpatient Mental Health experience is preferred. 3. Ability to practice cooperative and professional interpersonal communications with diverse multidisciplinary teams. 4. Ability to work with patients exhibiting a variety of physical problems. 5. Ability to collect and record a variety of patient data in a computer based electronic medical record system. 6. Ability to perform direct nursing care in compliance with organization standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines. 7. Skilled in patient and family education for patient medications and disease processes.8. Ability to work with Mental Health patients with behavioral problems9. Current license and BLS certification. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 APRIL 13, 2003 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS6. Physical Requirements: This position requires keen visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. ["Serves as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Nursing Service with Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, VA Medical Center Biloxi, MS. Section/assignment varies for the qualified incumbent and is determined by the hiring manager. *****This Job Announcement is now considered an Open Continuous Announcement. This announcement may close before the listed closing date. A certificate will be issued every 30 days until all selections are made.****** If you are a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply to CBST-11788246-23-TB. Duties: Transfers patients in, to, and from bed, chair, stretchers, and escorts patients to appointments within the hospital. Administers and records medications (IM, PO, rectal, topical, subcutaneous),monitors IV's, and performs treatments for patients using medical and/or surgical aseptic techniques, according to defined procedures for bladder catheterization, application of ointments, lotions, and powders and assists physician or professional nurse with other procedures. Measures, reports, and/or documents vital parameters of body functions and changes in physical, mental, or behavioral states as indicated. The employee provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the young/middle/older patient. Applies proper medical and surgical aseptic techniques and isolation precautions in performance of patient care and maintenance of a safe environment. Corrects or reports safety hazards and enforces smoking regulations. Initiates emergency alerts as necessary for fire, medical and psychiatric emergencies, following defined policies and procedures. Identifies patients prior to performing assigned care and administering medicines/treatments according to defined procedure. Follows prescribed safety procedures and uses appropriate lifting methods and body mechanics for heavy lifting or moving of heavy objects and has no history of on-the-job injuries related to failure in this area due to personal negligence. Treats patients in accordance with applicable guidelines in the health care system pamphlet \"Patient Rights/Advance Directives\". Establishes, maintains, and reports on therapeutic relationships and activities such as those involved in the preparation of the patient for community living. Is actively involved in patient teaching. Reports changes in a patient's behavior that indicated increased anxiety/hostility. Effectively relates to the public in a courteous and helpful manner. Relates effectively, cooperatively, and professionally with co-workers and responds constructively to supervision. Volunteers to assist co-workers when own assignment is complete. Maintains general cleanliness and order within the patient's immediate environment and encourages patients to take pride in their environment. Completes cleaning assignments in a timely manner. Demonstrates ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and also interacts with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel, who provides patient care, and with members of other services. Communicates information to the team leader about a patient's behavior, physical condition, possession of contraband articles and other observations. Attends team conferences and completes care of assigned patients and other tasks. Volunteers observation of patient behavior during team care planning and volunteers for additional assignments. Follows defined policies and procedures related to documentation in the patient record. Charts observations relative to any changes in the patient's physical or mental/emotional status, observable behavior, or possession of contraband articles. Performs additional duties, as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts with varying shifts available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 520-00054-F EDRP Authorized: Contact brandilyn.wasson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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