Summary

This is a general announcement for the LPN position at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Positions available can be for any unit/service of the hospital and will be discussed during your interview. This is an open continuous announcement accepting application until September 30, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

Qualifications

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: 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 Determination: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for the GS-6 grade level
The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade
GS-6
(a) Completion of at least one 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, 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
Preferred Experience: Preferred 1 year ambulatory or clinic experience as a LPN; possess communication skills and customer service etiquettes; ability to work cohesively with colleagues and others in the health care setting: 1 year Long Term Care
References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II Appendix G-13
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6
Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity
This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing
Transferring patients and objects may be required
The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.