Licensed Practical Nurse - Acute Care; 9B

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• 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
• 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN
• Licensure - Active - full - current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth (i.e.
  
  - Puerto Rico) - of the United States or the District of Columbia
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements stated above - 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-03:
  None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license.
• GS-04:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, or 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.
• GS-05:
  Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
• GS-06:
  Proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

The Western New York VA Healthcare System is seeking a highly qualified full-time Licensed Practical Nurse to work the day/night-shift, and serve as a member of the Acute Care Team (9B) located at the Buffalo VA Medical Center in Buffalo, New York.

• The LPN will 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.
• Establishing positive patient/family/staff relationships by utilizing appropriate communication skills.
• Assisting in the collection and documentation of routine objective and subjective data relative to uncomplicated patient situations.
• Participating in patient centered conferences and shift reports.
• Assisting and maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment.
• Adhering to all safety and health standards, regulations, and work practices.
• Providing competent patient care in a manner which ensures safety to patients, staff, visitors, and self, and seeking direction as needed.

Preferred Experience:

2 years acute med/surg experience. Telemetry experience/certification.