Practical Nurse-Patient Aligned Care Team

Overview

The Cincinnati - OH VA Medical Center is seeking a PACT LPN that carries out the most complex practical nursing care assignments - including nonstandard and specialized activities to solve a range of complex nursing problems - under the general review of a Registered Nurse (RN) 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.

• Basic Requirements:
  United States Citizenship;
  Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency – required for direct patient care positions (per 38 U.S.C. 7402(d))
• Education – Graduation from a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or NLNAC accreditation at the time the program was completed
• Exceptions – health care education in the military service or training in the military service accepted by the licensing body; or license granted by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school, with applicable experience
• Licensure – Active, full-current, unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state/territory/COMMONWEALTH or DC
• Grade Determinations – qualification criteria for each grade (GS-3 to GS-6) as outlined in the original description, including expected duties, supervision levels, and experience requirements
• Preferred Experience – 1-2 years in an ambulatory setting and laboratory experience; GS-5 or GS-6 preferred
• Reference – for more information on qualification standards, see the VA OHRM Qualification Standards
• Physical Requirements – candidates must satisfactorily pass a physical examination prior to entry on duty

• The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is a two-division campus serving multiple counties with several clinics and off-main-campus locations
• Emphasizes patient-family centered care; provide professional, courteous, and respectful service to veterans, families, visitors, and staff
• Work cooperatively as a team member in all assignments
• Carry out assigned Veteran care based on veterans’ conditions; use judgment in selecting procedures and treatments; accurately recognize, report, and record relevant veteran information
• Observe, identify, and respond to veterans’ needs for care, including medication administration, equipment-assisted care, and veteran/family education
• Consider emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors in organizing and delivering care
• Reinforce instructions provided by other health care professionals; instruct patients and families on health principles, self-care, and treatment protocols
• Utilize teaching materials to promote self-reliance and recovery; observe and document changes in condition related to medications/treatments
• Recognize urgent or emergent care situations and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed
• Report and document any equipment breakage, safety hazards, or supply deficiencies to the appropriate personnel
• Under general supervision of an RN or MD/DO; perform duties within the scope of the LPN/LVN license; higher-level review may occur for more complex tasks
• Serve as a preceptor to orient and train less experienced staff related to complex tests/procedures
• Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and share knowledge with staff
• Duties may include performing complex diagnostic test support, preparing and handling specialized equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures
• Completes setup and assists with complex gynecological procedures within Women Veterans Health Center
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility; meet VA policy requirements and apply within four months of appointment; program details provided by VHA Education Loan Repayment Services
• Full-time schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm; telework AD HOC; not virtual
• Relocation/Recruitment incentives:
  Not Authorized (PCS not authorized)