Practical Nurse

Overview

This position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Southeast Network (VISN
7) - VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, Georgia, located in the Nursing Service.

• 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 (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant
  • Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) - 61 Broadway - 33rd Floor - New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website
  • 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
  • VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) and 7405 in implementation of Public Law 98-160 (enacted November 21, 1983) and Public Law 99-576 (enacted October 28, 1986) and for future personnel actions under this authority
  • The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions
  • Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
  • 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/LVN who has had licenses revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with applicable provisions
  • May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (currently applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria)
  • Grade Determinations: GS-3 through GS-6 levels described below
  • GS-4:
    Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN or graduation from an approved school with related nursing care experience
  • GS-4 (alternative qualifications):
    Graduation from an approved school and one year of nursing care experience or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
  • GS-5:
    Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent; knowledge to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with various conditions; ability to orient/train others; ability to educate patients/families; ability to document medication administration and patient response
  • GS-6:
    Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level; proficient in initiating and completing assigned duties; ability to recognize urgent or emergent situations and initiate appropriate interventions; ability to educate patients and families and perform complex nursing duties
• Preferred Experience:
  
  One to two years of clinical experience preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• 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:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• Facilitates the admission of new patients through unit orientation, room assignments, and initiation of vital signs
• Contributes information for the review and revision of nursing care plans based on observation of patient response to treatment programs
• Identifies the patient’s situation and performs the tasks required to resolve the patient’s problem accurately and timely, following up as necessary
• Conveys a sense of respect, caring, warmth, and welcome to Veterans, families, visitors, and other employees
• Demonstrates initiative in assisting nursing staff with workload as assignment allows
• Completes care on assigned patient population incorporating established policies and guidelines directed by the RN
• Prepares, administers, and documents medications safely and according to policies and procedures; observes and records patient responses and reports deviations
• Medication orders are verified by the RN prior to administration
• Assesses and documents effectiveness of PRN, STAT, and pain medications
• Reassesses and documents patient condition and expected response to interventions
• Recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations; seeks assistance and initiates needed interventions as directed
• Maintains safety by recognizing equipment issues and reporting to appropriate personnel
• Works under the supervision of an RN or MD/DO; demonstrates broad working…