The Central VA Health Care System is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for the Primary Care (PACT) unit at the Charlottesville CBOC. LPNs are held accountable for delivering direct patient care to Veterans for both acute and chronic diseases in an outpatient setting. Incumbent implements basic and advanced LPN procedures as defined by policies and procedures of the Veteran's Administration.
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: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing that was approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing (Accrediting Commission, NLNAC) at the time of completion. Licensure: Holds a current, full, active and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical nurse or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or 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-03: 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-04: (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-05: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS 04 level or equivalent. Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications. This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies. GS-06: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS 05 level or equivalent. 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: At least one year of experience (outpatient or inpatient) References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard 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.
Duties include, but are not limited to: Observes and reports changes in patients' physical and emotional conditions utilizing elements of the nursing process of signs and symptoms identification, observation, perception, clinical measurements, screening protocols, and prescribed history taking. Performs health history screenings per pre-formatted documentation. Screens, intervenes, and follows through for acute/chronic medical and emotional conditions adult populations with minimal supervision of a registered nurse/provider. Effectively demonstrates ability to gather data and observations, assist in planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating the care of patients seen in the outpatient care setting. Distinguishes between normal changes that accompany the aging process vs. pathological changes. Recognizes priorities and adjusts patient care accordingly. Recognizes and intervenes appropriately for urgent and emergency patient needs. Demonstrates ongoing improvement as an experienced LPN in recognizing, assessing, and intervening in both acute and chronic medical conditions, and minor surgical. Confers with other providers and Services to meet patients' needs beyond LPN scope of practice and experience. Reinforces instructions accurately as previously provided to patient by RN or provider for further VA or community follow-up. Demonstrates clinical competence in performing core and practice specific procedures according to the Competency Checklist. Has the knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, inhaled, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by policy/procedure. Cross-training in Lab in case of shortage. All other duties assigned Work Schedule: 0800-1630 or 0830-1700 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000/ LPN GS03-06 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required