LPN (Surgical Specialty Clinic)
The incumbent will primarily be assigned to the Specialty clinic, administering and directing nursing care to adult and geriatric patients with medical-surgical needs. Surgical Specialty Clinics consist of Podiatry, Wound Care, Vascular, General Surgery, Urology, and Orthopedic clinics. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital. The incumbent may be required to rotate tours and duties during low/high census or complete administrative tasks established by the immediate supervisor. Not all duties may be listed, so other duties may be assigned. He/she is responsible to ensure the highest possible quality of care is achieved and that a safe therapeutic environment is provided. The incumbent supervises care that is in accordance with established standards, hospital policies and procedures. The LPN will provide direct, veteran centered care to patients experiencing a wide variety of acute and chronic health care management needs, with an emphasis on those undergoing surgical interventions and pre/postoperative care. The nurse will assist surgeons with clinic procedures, provide patient education, and follow-up care. He/She will interact and communicate effectively with patients, families, other health care and supportive personnel. Collaborates effectively with all members of the team across the continuum of care and serves as a role model for professional growth, development and practice. Works closely with the Veterans to ensure smooth transition of care. Processes consults, ensuring necessary pre-consult testing, labs, imaging and clinical records are obtained and are communicated to the clinic, community or VA facilities. Works in partnership with surgery clinic providers, patients and their families, social workers, surgery coordinators and other professionals in specialty care. PLEASE NOTE:
This position requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. If selected, Applicant will provide proof of current certification prior to employment. Only BLS certification which included Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification obtained from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Military Treatment Training Network (MTN) will be accepted. Work Schedule:
8:
00 a.m. to 4:
30 p.m., Monday - Friday excluding weekends and Federal holiday Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. 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. An LPN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in both spoken and written English. 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). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred
Experience:
One year outpatient/surgical experience. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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-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). GS-4:
Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in (a) thru (c) below:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) Graduation from an approved school 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. (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. 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 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. (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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standards, dated April 2003. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements:
Position requires light to heavy lifting and carrying (15 pounds - 45 pounds and over), pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, walking (5 hours), standing (3 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), use of fingers and both hands required. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4, Depth perception, and the ability to distinguish basic colors and shade of colors. Hearing (aid permitted).
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
This position requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. If selected, Applicant will provide proof of current certification prior to employment. Only BLS certification which included Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification obtained from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Military Treatment Training Network (MTN) will be accepted. Work Schedule:
8:
00 a.m. to 4:
30 p.m., Monday - Friday excluding weekends and Federal holiday Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. 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. An LPN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in both spoken and written English. 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). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred
Experience:
One year outpatient/surgical experience. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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-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). GS-4:
Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in (a) thru (c) below:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) Graduation from an approved school 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. (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. 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 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. (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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standards, dated April 2003. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements:
Position requires light to heavy lifting and carrying (15 pounds - 45 pounds and over), pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, walking (5 hours), standing (3 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), use of fingers and both hands required. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4, Depth perception, and the ability to distinguish basic colors and shade of colors. Hearing (aid permitted).
- Department:
0620 Practical Nurse - Salary Range:
$27,800 to $58,475 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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