Practical Nurse

Summary

The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 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. The LPN also performs duties that promote quality health care with outstanding customer service and a veteran-centered environment.

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
• Education:
  
  Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the NLNAC at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the NLNAC
• Address for NLNAC verification: 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006
• Additional information may be obtained from the NLNAC Website
• Licensure:
  Full-active, current and unrestricted licensure as an LPN/LVN in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) or District of Columbia
• English Language Proficiency:
  Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d)
• Grandfathering Provision:
  May qualify as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet criteria)
• Grade Determinations: GS-3 through GS-6, with specific criteria described for each grade level
• GS-6:
  Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level and fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN
• General requirements:
  Proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties to provide care to varied patient populations; use judgment in selecting the appropriate order of procedures; document patient information accurately
• Ability to observe and respond to patients' needs for care, medications, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education
• Knowledge of patient privacy and dignity, and ability to incorporate established customer service standards in interactions

• The assignment involves administering advanced and skilled complex patient care using specialized equipment
• Administer care and apply nursing intervention techniques to patients with a wide range of disease entities
• Promptly detect, identify, and report significant changes or responses to treatments using the facility's communication tools to improve patient safety and information transfer
• Interact with patients, families, and all health care team members to provide quality and continuity of care in geriatric or dementia care settings
• Provide care, emotional support, and instruction for patients and families; foster a supportive environment to aid in recovery
• Engage in long periods of physical activity typical of geriatric and dementia care, including standing, bending, lifting, stooping, and handling equipment
• Practice safe work habits; respond to stressful situations and unpredictable resident behavior; handle infectious materials and use isolation techniques as needed
• Work schedule typically includes evening and night shifts (example: 3:00 pm – 11:30 pm; 7:00 pm – 7:30 am);
  Functional Statement #: 58713F