Licensed Practical Nurse-Primary Care Integrated Clinical Community

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct physical and emotional care to Veterans in Primary Care and Integrated Care Community (ICC) at the Saint Cloud VA Medical Center. Duties include novice-level nursing activities, supporting procedures, delivering education, documenting care, and assisting the Registered Nurse (RN) or Provider.

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.

• 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) and 7407(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 (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• Licensure – Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements stated above, 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‑03 – None beyond the basic requirements
• GS‑04 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN, or Graduation from an approved school (may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience in a nursing‑care work environment, or Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• GS‑05 – Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent, and demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Work with the RN and/or MD/DO to train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in practice standards
• Provide effective education to patients and/or family members about disease processes, medications, and treatment regimes
• Serve as a responsible member of the nursing team, interacting appropriately with patients, family members, and supportive personnel, incorporating customer service standards into practice
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and document commonly prescribed medications as permitted by local policies
• Observe and document patient response to medication, reporting changes to RN or MD/DO
• Recognize and institute emergency measures when indicated, seeking assistance of RN or MD/DO and assisting in resuscitation procedures
• Recognize and respond to equipment malfunction or loss, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting for corrective action
• All duties performed under general supervision of an RN or MD/DO
• Broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures with possible higher‑level review for complex practices
• GS‑06 – Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all GS‑5 performance requirements
• Technically proficient in initiating and completing patient care duties, using judgment to select appropriate procedures and treatments
• Accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information
• General review by RN or MD/DO sufficient for appropriateness and compliance with policies
• Observe, identify, and respond to patient needs for medication, equipment‑assisted care, and education
• Consider emotional, socio‑economic, and age‑related factors in care
• Administer…