Community Living Center- LPN

Major Duties

• Administers oral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications.
• Administers immunizations independently upon completion of Immunization Competency Module. Observes, reports and documents.
• Implements established care plans. Reports and documents progress or changes in patient's behavior and/or physical condition to the RN and in the medical record patient's response to medication including adverse reactions and possible medication errors.
• Monitors intravenous therapy for prescribed rate, patency, infiltration and/or extravasation. Discontinues intravenous infusion when directed by the RN or the physician. Documents and reports findings.
• Performs diagnostic procedures such as TPR, B/P, pain screen, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, l&O, heights, weights, finger sticks, and EKGs. Recognizes deviations from normal. Documents and reports results to the registered nurse and/or physician.
• Performs narcotic count as per policy/procedure and immediately notifies the Charge RN of discrepancies.
• Makes frequent rounds on patients, noting environment, changes in patient's behavior and/or physical condition. Reports and documents all observed problems and indicates which might have an adverse effect on patients, visitors, or personnel.
• Observes, documents, and reports unpredictable behavior that may lead to violence, potential for injury related to wandering or fall risk.
• Uses diversional activities to promote restraint-free environment.
• Supports therapeutic and diagnostic procedures such as:
  • Reinforces patient teaching and documents patient health education appropriately.
  • Affirming presence of signed informed consent.
  • Assisting with physical examinations.
  • Maintaining patient's condition and providing follow up care.
  • Caring for, maintaining, and ordering supplies and equipment, including reporting equipment malfunctions.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment including work area. Follows all safety policies and procedures including using good body mechanics and wearing personal protective equipment as needed.
• Administers nasogastric tube feedings.
• Performs enterostomal care, perinea! care, administering enemas and colostomy irrigations.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements:
• 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).
• Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States.
• Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Grade Determinations:
• GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license.
• GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below:
• Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN.
• Graduation from an approved school 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;
• Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and 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.