Licensed Practical Nurse - Special; Medicine Outpatient Clinic

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is directly responsible to the Registered Nurse and/or preceptor for providing direct care within his/her scope of practice. This vacancy is in the Out‑patient Specialty Clinics located at the Bowling Campus of the Lexington VA Health Care System. The LPN must be able to carry out patient care duties – technically proficient in performing and completing assigned duties.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language:
  Proficiency in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) – no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• 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 of completion, or acceptably qualified military training.
• LPN/LVN Licensure:
  Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia.
• May qualify based on Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria).
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade:
  • GS 03:
    None beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS 04: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, or (b) Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience in a supervised medical‑nursing facility, or (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
  • GS‑5:
    Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS 4 level or equivalent.
  • GS–6:
    Completion of at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems, and to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team.
• Must possess proficiency in administering and documenting medication administration across oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous routes.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to equipment breakage, malfunction, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
• Must be able to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information.
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions to situations, and ability to work effectively with patients, family members, and staff.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Ability to perform regular walking, bending, lifting 45 pounds or more, stooping, reaching, stretching; visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, and manual dexterity. Frequently push medication carts, wheelchairs, lifts, and beds. Ability to care for Veterans with various medical and psychiatric issues, including unpredictable behavior.
• Must be willing to use personal protective equipment and tolerate exposure to communicable diseases and biohazard materials.

• Appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient’s condition.
• Use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information.
• Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for care, including medication and equipment‑assisted care and patient/family education.
• Plan, organize, and deliver care while recognizing and considering emotional, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and age‑related factors.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications via oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous routes, and perform treatments…