Practical Nurse

Overview

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides safe and individualized nursing care to patients in the Ambulatory/Specialty Care setting. The LPN interacts and collaborates effectively with patients, families, other health care staff, and supportive personnel. The nurse initiates appropriate actions based on observations of the patient’s condition and performs duties with minimal supervision and consistent 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.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may 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 state and/or accredited by the NLNAC at the time of completion.
• Licensure:
  Current, full, active, and unrestricted licensure as an LPN/LVN in the United States or District of Columbia.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Proficient in written and spoken English as required by VA Handbook 5005.
• Grade Determinations:
  Qualifications must demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade (GS-03 to GS-06).

Experience by Grade (summary):

• GS-03:
  Basic requirements only.
• GS-04:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN or graduation from an approved program with supervised nursing care experience; or graduation from an approved 24-month program.
• GS-05:
  At least 1 year of qualifying experience at GS-04 or equivalent; ability to provide full range of practical nursing care; contribute to a nursing team; administer and document medications; observe and document patient responses; recognize need for emergency measures.
• GS-06:
  At least one year of GS-05 level experience; technical proficiency in initiating and completing assigned duties; ability to carry out patient care based on patient conditions; appropriate judgment in order of procedures; observe, report, and record relevant information; recognize urgent or emergent situations and initiate appropriate interventions as directed.

Preferred: PACT LPN experience; office/clinical experience; performance measures and process improvement experience; immunization/injectable medication experience; telehealth experience; women’s health experience.

Physical Requirements: Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, manual dexterity; ability to walk, stand, stoop, sit, bend, lift, and push for extended periods; may be exposed to infectious material and must don protective equipment as needed; ability to work in stressful situations and shift priorities based on Veteran needs.

• Demonstrates proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing duties while providing care to diverse patient populations.
• Maintains knowledge to carry out patient care based on patient condition and utilizes judgment in selecting orders, procedures, and treatments; observes and documents patient information, including urgent or emergent situations.
• Responds to patient needs for medication, equipment, and patient/family education; considers emotional, socio-economic, and age-related factors.
• Prepares, administers, and documents medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous) per policy; observes patient responses and reports deviations to an RN or physician.
• Recognizes and responds to urgent health needs; may initiate emergency interventions as directed by the RN or MD/DO.
• Maintains patient privacy and dignity and supports customer service standards with all interactions.
• Supports during complex diagnostic tests and procedures; serves as a preceptor to less experienced staff and provides support for more complex procedures.
• Actively seeks educational opportunities and shares knowledge to advance nursing practice.
• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday – Friday, 0800 – 1630.