Vocational Nurse (PACT)

SummaryThe Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) position supports the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). The LVN provides comprehensive practical nursing care - including treatments - procedures - and patient education. Duties involve rooming patients - taking vitals - administering medications - assisting with minor procedures - and documenting in electronic health records. The role requires strong clinical skills - teamwork - and the ability to handle a high volume of patients.QualificationsApplicants 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 RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEnglish Language ProficiencyIn 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 EnglishEducation - 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 applicantExceptions 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVNLicensure - 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 ColumbiaGrade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above - the following qualification criteria must be met for each gradeThe candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the gradeGS-03 None beyond the basic requirementsLPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g. - medication administration)however - completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involvedGS-04 (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVNor(b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital - outpatient clinic - nursing home - or other supervised medical - nursing - or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and proceduresor (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months durationGS-05 Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problemsAbility to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients - family members - professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient careKnowledge and skill sufficient to prepare - administer - and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular and/or intravenous medicationsThis includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's conditionKnowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrestRecognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficienciesGS-06 Proficiency in initiating - performing - and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populationsKnowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions - using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments - and accurately recognizing - reporting - and recording relevant patient informationAbility to observe - identify - and response to a patient's needs for care including medication - equipment-assisted care - and patient/family educationPrepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/proceduresObserves for - documents - and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatmentsKnowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directedKnowledge and understanding of human behavior - patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients - family members and other staffKnowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures - which includes preparing the patient and assisting in the diagnostic examination - preparing - and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment - and monitoring the patient's condition before - during - and following the procedurePreferred Experience: Current Basic Life Support provider cardPrior Ambulatory Care Clinic Experience.DutiesLVN responsibilities include - but are not limited to: Providing comprehensive practical nursing care to patients with various physical and behavioral conditions Performing complex diagnostic tests - treatments - and specialized procedures Administering medications - monitoring IV fluids - and performing venipuncture Conducting patient assessments - recognizing changes in condition - and reporting to RN or provider Educating patients and families on health promotion - disease prevention - and self-management Collaborating with the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) to develop patient-centered care plans Assisting with minor procedures and monitoring patients during treatments Documenting patient care accurately in electronic health records- Ensuring compliance with infection control practices and safety protocols Participating in quality improvement initiatives and research activities as assignedWork Schedule: Monday-Friday8:30am-5:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized