Licensed Practical Nurse- Primary Care

Overview

This Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position is located at the Grand Island VA Medical Center in Grand Island, Nebraska. This LPN works under the direction of an RN as a member of a Primary Care team, providing basic and specialized nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with a variety of physical, mental, behavioral, or psychological needs.

• Serve as an LPN on a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) in Primary Care.
• Assist with intake of Veterans in preparation for provider visits and maintain clinic flow.
• Complete pertinent clinical reminders and preventative health screenings.
• Document all data collected and nursing care provided in the Veterans electronic medical record.
• Report all relevant patient information to the Clinic RN or provider.
• Assist providers with exams/procedures as needed.
• Perform treatments and procedures such as electrocardiograms, vital signs, weights, blood glucose readings, basic foot care, bladder scans, ear care, and related tasks.
• Track and administer required immunizations.
• Administer ordered medications in accordance with Medical Center and Nursing Service policy and monitor for side effects.
• Participate in the management and follow-up of patient care needs and requests. Initiate procedure preparations and adapt them to patients’ physical and emotional needs before, during, and after procedures; monitor for complications.
• Initiate and perform nursing measures to prevent complications by recognizing deviations and/or changes in patient conditions; promptly report to RN or MD/DO and assist as directed.
• Recognize and respond to emergency measures when indicated; promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures as needed.
• Recognize breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies; report to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
• Complete work under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Maintain a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures; some more complex practices may be subject to closer review.

• Basic Requirements:
  United States Citizenship;
  English Language Proficiency; proficiency in basic written and spoken English for direct patient care roles (38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d)).
• Education:
  
  Graduate of an approved practical or vocational nursing program and/or NLNAC-accredited program at the time of program completion.
• L icensure:
  Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as an LPN/LVN in a U.S. state/territory/DC.
• Grandfathering provision may apply for current VA employees meeting criteria.
• Grade Determinations (GS-3 to GS-6):
  The candidate's qualifications must demonstrate the level of competence for the grade. See detailed criteria below.
• GS-03:
  Meets basic requirements; may perform all duties within license scope (e.g., medication administration) with possible higher-level review for complex duties.
• GS-04:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN or graduation from an approved program with one year of nursing care experience in a medical setting; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months.
• GS-05:
  At least 1 year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent; demonstrated ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care; orientation/training of less experienced staff; patient education; and other competencies as described in the standard.
• GS-06:
  At least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at GS-05; technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties; ability to observe and respond to patient needs; administer medications; and function as a preceptor or mentor as related to complex tasks.

• Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional:
  The selectee works directly with veterans in face-to-face, video, or telephone settings.
• Work as part of a PACT in Primary Care; assist with clinic intake and flow; complete clinical reminders and preventative screenings.
• Document data in the electronic medical record and report to the RN or provider; assist with exams and procedures as needed.
• Perform clinical tasks including EKGs, vital signs, weights, blood…