Practical Nurse

Summary

The PACT LPN carries out the most complex practical nursing care assignments - which include performing nonstandard and specialized activities sufficient to solve a range of complex nursing problems - under the general review of a Registered Nurse in the outpatient clinic. The LPN uses a systematic problem‑solving process in the care of multiple patients with predictable health care needs to provide individualized – goal‑directed nursing care.

• Citizenship
• 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 National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• 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 or has ever had – any license(s) revoked – suspended – denied – restricted – limited – or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3 – section B – paragraph 16 of this part
• Grade Determination
• In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A – 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-3. None beyond the basic requirements
• LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license e.g. – medication administration
• however – completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved
• 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: a
• Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• or b
• Graduation from an approved school which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C 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 that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures
• or c
• Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• d
• LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level
• however – they are expected to exercise greater judgment – require less supervision – and to operate in accordance with all established policies – procedure – and techniques
• GS-5 a
• Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• b
• 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 /Health Technicians in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes – medication – and or prescribed treatment regimes
• c
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients – family members – professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care – incorporating acceptable – established customer service standards into practice
• d
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare – administer – and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral – topical – subcutaneous – intramuscular – and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures
• Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO
• e
• Knowledge and ability…