Licensed Practical Nurse; LPN - Intermittent NTE

Summary

The Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) - functioning in the Specialty Care - demonstrates the ability to carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information. This position is located in Vancouver VAMC in Vancouver, Washington.

• To qualify for appointment to this position - all applicants must possess the following:
  • Citizenship:
    Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency:
    Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d) and § 7407(d).
  • 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.
  • Exceptions include:
    Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment.
  • Licensure:
    Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) or 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).
  • Grade Determinations:
    • GS-03:
      None beyond the basic requirements.
    • GS-04:
      Six months of qualifying experience as LPN or LVN or graduation from an approved school and one year of experience in a nursing 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 fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-4, 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.
    • GS-06:
      Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5, and technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
  • Key Responsibilities and Competencies (applied across all grades):
    • Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek assistance of the RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.
    • Knowledge and skill 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.
    • 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.
    • Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient’s needs for care, including medication and equipment-assisted care, and provide comprehensive patient teaching.
    • Show sensitivity to emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors and integrate them into care interventions.
    • Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized procedures, such as preparation and assistance in diagnostic examinations, handling specialized instruments, and monitoring the patient before, during, and after procedures.
    • Actively seek out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and share new knowledge with other staff to improve nursing practice.
    • All duties occur…