Summary

LPN Scope of Practice in all steps of the nursing process is limited and focused because - by law - it is a dependent and directed scope of practice. LPN practice requires assignment or delegation by and performance under the supervision - orders - or directions of a registered nurse (RN) - physician - dentist - or other person authorized by State law to provide the supervision. LPNs implement health care plans developed by the RN and/or by any person authorized by State law to prescribe such plan.

Qualifications

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 Determination: In addition to the basic requirements stated above - the following qualification criteria must be met
• The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade
• GS-06 Proficiency 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 - using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments - and accurately recognizing - reporting - and recording relevant patient information
• Ability to observe - identify - and response to a patient's needs for care including medication - equipment-assisted care - and patient/family education
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures
• Observes for - documents - and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior - patient motivations and reactions to situations and the 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 includes preparing the patient and 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
• Preferred Experience and Certifications: PACT LPN Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160 - enacted November 21 - 1983 - or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576 - enacted October 28 - 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement
• The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions
• Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities for the position without restriction and meet all the functional requirements for the position.

Duties

• The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) reports to the designated Nurse Manager and is responsible and accountable for the provision of patient care and for delivery of quality nursing care to a culturally diverse veteran patient population (internal/external).LPN Scope of Practice is limited and focused because - by law - it is a dependent and directed scope of practice
• Assignment or delegation by and performance under the supervision - orders - or directions of a registered nurse (RN) - physician - dentist - or other person authorized by State law to provide the supervision
• LPN responsibilities include but not limited to: Performs practical nursing measures with precision and efficiency - consistent with Medical Center Policy and procedure and within legal and ethical responsibilities of his/her licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse
• Responsible and accountable for the provision of patient care and for delivery of quality nursing care to a Demonstrate working practices that include adherence to infection control standards and the safe use and operation of equipment
• Seeks guidance from RN and/or provider regarding resolution of clinical issues
• Reports to the Nurse Manger who is the 1st line supervisor and rating official
• May be assigned other duties deem necessary to support organizational goals
• The incumbent may receive a variety of additional assignments or special projects either to meet the needs of the medical center or designed for professional growth of the individual
• Work Schedule: 7:30AM - 4:00PM Telework: Not Authorized Travel: Up to 25% may be required
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized