Licensed Practical Nurse-Spinal Cord Injury​/Outpatient

Summary

The Rocky Mountain Region Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC) Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Center provides comprehensive rehabilitative care for patients with spinal cord disorders. The goals of the program include understanding of altered body function with spinal cord injury and learning physical and social abilities to live a full - rich life.

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 it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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
• Education:
  
  Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). (copy of transcripts required) OR 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
• 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)
• 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)
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the Basic Requirements - candidates must meet requirements for each grade level applied for as outlined below:
• GS-03:
  None beyond basic requirements
• GS-04:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• OR - Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience
• OR - Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• 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-05:
  Requires at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• In addition the following criteria must be met:
  Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients - family members - professional and supportive personnel patient care - incorporating acceptable - established customer service standards into practice
• 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
• 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
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action
• 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-06:
  Requires at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN
• In addition the following criteria must be met:
  Technically proficient 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 patient' conditions
• Ability to observe - identify - and respond to the patient's needs for care - including medication - equipment-assisted care - and patient/family education
• Prepare and administer prescribed medication (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular - and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to…