Vocational Nurse - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (Texas)
Summary
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2021 or until the positions are filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 11, 2020, with subsequent cut-off dates of every Sunday until position is filled. This position is located at the VISN 16 Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Beaumont, Texas.
Responsibilities
The duties of the Licensed Vocational Nurse include but is not limited to: Performing routine direct patient care. Performing complex therapeutic procedures requiring observation and guidance from the RN Care Coordinator or charge nurse. Recognizing acute patient's distress and initiates correct emergency interventions. Performing patient screening and preventive therapy as prescribed by Clinical Practice Guidelines and through the use of Clinical Reminders. Recognizing and providing therapeutic intervention to alleviate patient self-destructive behaviors or changes in mental status. Maintaining equipment and therapeutic environment to prevent injury to self or others. Demonstrating compliance with all policies regarding Infection Control practices pertaining to cleaning and processing of Reusable Medical Equipment. Observing and following all established practices and complying with the Medical Center and VA policies on Safety, Employee Health Services, and Personal Protective clothing/equipment. Performing medication administration by following physician's orders according to Medical Center policy and Therapeutic Methods. Administering, counting, and documenting such in an assigned clinical area according to VA Medical Center policy. Withholding patient medication based upon the observation of the patient's physiological status that contraindicates the giving of the prescribed medication. Marketing immunizations to patients and immunizing based on risk category and clinical reminder alert. Implementing and communicating patient/family instructions. Documenting, recording and reporting in the patient's electronic medical record per VA Medical Center policy all pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality. Communicating effectively with patient/family/significant others, multidisciplinary team members, and immediate staff co-workers via oral and written communication methods. Making appropriate decisions concerning patient care and seeking assistance when confronted with emergent or unusual patient situations. Adapting and showing flexibility when needed to perform the duties of the job. Exhibits positive and courteous behavior at all times during customer/staff interactions. Treats all customers and staff with dignity and respect. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm, May be required to work Extended Hours and Weekend Hours
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. 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. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure. Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Loss of Licensure or Certification. Loss of licensure or certification will result in removal from the GS-0620 licensed practical or vocational nurse series and may result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. Licensed Vocational Nurses must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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). Preferred Experience:
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desired. If selected for this position, per VHA Directive 1177, you must possess current BCLS certification as you will provide direct clinical care to patients in this position. Grade Determinations:
Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment:
LPN/LVNs 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 involved. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-4
Candidates may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived graduation from an approved school was not required by the jurisdiction in which the LPN/LVN was licensed) 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 procedures; or Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. Assignment:
LPN/LVNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-5
Experience. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. See Education section for addition information. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-6
Experience. Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. See Education section for addition information. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standards The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Must be compliant with the following physical standards and environmental factors: Heavy lifting, 50 pounds & over; Heavy carrying, 50 pounds & over; Straight pulling (1-2 hours); Pushing (1-2 hours); Walking (2-4 hours); Standing (2-6 hours); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously; Near Vision correctable; Far Vision correctable; Depth perception; Hearing (aide permitted); Work closely with others, as well as, protracted or irregular hours of work; and Use stretchers to transfer patients and use patient lifts, if applicable
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-5
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the required experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs, if selected: Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Knowledge and skill sufficient 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 and procedures. 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. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. Licensed Vocational Nurse, GS-6
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the required experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs, if selected: Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge and ability to appropriately 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. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, 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 procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.
Additional Information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Applicant Expiration: Applicants will remain active for 3 months after their initial application is received and/or updated. After that time, you must update your application through your USAJobs account if you would like to be made active again for possible consideration during the open period.
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