License Practical Nurse - Primary Care

Summary

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) GS‑6 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. Performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee. Assigned tasks require advanced technical competence and skill.

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:
  Citizen of the United States
• Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 – section A – paragraph 3g – this part.
• 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.
• Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission – 61 Broadway – 33rd Floor – New York – NY 10006.
• Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC website.
• Exceptions include:
  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 ever had a license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or 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:
  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).
• Grade Determinations:
  • GS‑3:
    None beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS‑4:
    Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below:
    Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, or graduation from an approved school and one year of experience in a nursing care facility, or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
  • GS‑5:
    Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent.
  • GS‑6:
    Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent – fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS‑5 LPN/LVN.
• 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.
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members regarding common disease processes, medication, and prescribed treatment regimes.
• Serves as a responsible member of the nursing team and interacts appropriately with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer and appropriately document actions taken with commonly prescribed medications.
• Observation and documentation will include patient’s response to medication and reporting of any noted change to RN or MD/DO.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and institute emergency measures when indicated; promptly seek assistance of RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.
• Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Ability to use judgment in selecting appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments and accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.
• Completed work should need only a general review by an RN or physician for…