Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct support to the Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) in the Primary Care Outpatient Clinic. The incumbent greets Veterans and gathers data through observation - questions - and vital signs and communicates this data to the RN or provider. The LPN must possess a high level of skills to assist in assuring smooth clinic flow by assisting the Veteran through the transition process as they move through the clinic environment.

Qualifications

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 moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds)
• straight pulling (up to .5 hour)
• pushing (up to .5 hour)
• reaching above the shoulder
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking (up to 2.5 hours)
• standing (up to 5 hours)
• repeated bending (up to 1 hour)
• the ability to distinguish basic colors
• and hearing (aid may be permitted)
• You must be able to work alone and closely with others.

Duties

• A RECRUITMENT OR RELOCATION INCENTIVE IS AUTHORIZED The duties listed are GS-6 Full Performance Level - GS-3 - 4 - and 5 duties will differ in complexity and level of supervision
• Some of the duties - roles - and responsibilities of the PACT LPN include: Ensure appropriate evaluation and access is provided to patients assigned to the patient panel
• Utilize all available tools to enable effective and efficient identification and intervention of individual patients and cohorts
• Function at the full extent of scope of practice based on experience and training
• Manage communication and facilitate safe Veteran transitions between the PACT and other health care settings using warm hand-off communication either in person or by telephone
• Provide health education on wellness - disease prevention - chronic care management - and self-management PACT member
• Collaborate with informatics technology staff to develop and implement systematized - electronically supported - standardized tools to support PACT care delivery processes
• Participate in PACT team huddles - meetings - and process improvement and system redesign
• Promote personal - pro-active - Veteran centered care
• Assist with pre-visit phone calls to Veterans to complete reminders as appropriate and obtain reason for appointment if not indicated
• Review daily clinic schedule for patient care needs
• Collaborate with PACT team members to develop comprehensive health care plans and care management plans for Veterans assigned to panel
• Manage clinic flow to include: Vital signs and treatments as indicated/appropriate
• Complete appropriate clinical reminders
• Assist providers with exam/procedures
• Administer and track immunizations (per licensure)
• Prepare and administer medications (per licensure and protocol)
• Complete orders per provider or protocol
• Keep providers on schedule
• Keep Veterans advised of delays/wait times
• Observe - record - and report patient response or changes in patient's condition
• Promptly recognize and respond to urgent or emergent situations
• Assist with orientation of new employees
• Check daily equipment and supplies and restock exam rooms
• Promote patient and personal safety
• Assist the Care Manager in coordinating care for patients assigned to the PACT when Veterans: Walk into the clinic without an appointment (take vital signs and gather data)
• Are discharged from non-VA hospitals or seen in non-VA Emergency Departments
• Are reassigned to or from another PACT
• Receive care from specialty care providers
• Receive care from several health care providers (dual care)
• Undergo complex or high risk surgical or interventional procedures
• Telehealth Duties (as applicable): Manage required screenings and complete clinical reminders - documentation - opening and closing encounters required
• Assist the primary care or specialty care provider with physical exams as needed
• Provide Veteran education - documentation - and assistance with workload capture for completion of the visit - per scope of practice
• Maintain regular contact with the Facility Telehealth Coordinator to work out any process issues - equipment needs or problems - data collection - or any other logistical issues
• Consider gender-specific Tele-Presenters who can serve as chaperones when required
• Licensed Practical Nurse - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-LPN-Career-Flyer.pdf Work Schedule: Mon - Fri - 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay - higher or unique qualifications - or special needs of the VA(Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• 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)
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior work experience or military service experience
• 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 for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• 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 Authorized
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.