Licensed Practical Nurse- Patient Aligned Care Team

Overview

The Licensed Practical Nurse
- Patient Aligned Care Team position is located in Primary Care at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. The LPN is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care - positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. The LPN also performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes outstanding health care - customer service - and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving veterans.

• Provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
• Observe, document, and report changes in the patient's condition; assist in developing and revising patient-driven holistic life care plans.
• Initiate appropriate actions based on the treatment plan and observations under the supervision of the RN Care Manager.
• Collaborate and communicate with the Core Team (PCP - RN Care Manager - MSA) and expanded team.
• Provide patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, and wellness.
• Assist with orientation, training, and support of less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for complex tests/procedures.
• Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and share new knowledge with other staff to improve nursing practice.
• Respond to equipment breakage, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies; report to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
• Carry out assigned patient care based on the patient s condition and use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications and perform treatments according to policies/procedures; observe and document patient responses to medications/treatments.
• Recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• Establish constructive relationships with patients and families to promote positive relationships, communication, and respect for privacy and dignity.
• Incorporate customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and other customers.
• Assist with complex diagnostic tests and procedures, including preparation and handling of instruments and monitoring patient condition before, during, and after the procedure.
• Serve as a preceptor to orient, educate, and train less experienced staff related to nursing support duties.
• Actively seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and share knowledge with staff.

• Basic Requirements:
  United States Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens per VA policy).
• Education:
  
  Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the State board and/or NLNAC, or equivalent as specified; licensure as a practical or vocational nurse in the United States;
  English language proficiency as required.
• Licensure:
  Full-active-current-unrestricted licensure as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state/territory/Commonwealth or District of Columbia.
• Experience/Grade Determinations:
  For GS-03 to GS-06, see the content that demonstrates the level of competence required for the grade, with LPN responsibilities expanding with grade level.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Duties include physical tasks typical for nursing, with potential long periods of walking, standing, sitting, lifting, bending, or kneeling. (Further details in Additional Information.)