Licensed Vocational Nurse (PACT)- Education Debt Reduction Program

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Performs and documents focused/functional assessment and reports abnormal findings to the RN Team Leader, Charge Nurse, and/or Nurse Manager.
• Within their scope of practice, effectively assigns, manages, and directs other LVN/LPNs and Nurses' Aides in the delivery of patient/resident care.
• Demonstrates the ability to assign patients/residents care needs and the capability of the staff to meet those needs.
• Recognizes the individual's level of understanding and uses the most effective means of communication in teaching the client and/or significant other about his/her disease process, utilizing the standards of care and documenting client's response.
• Provides verbal and/or written information in a timely manner that is thorough and accurate, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand.
• Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response.
• Adequately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention.

Requirements

• 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) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• 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.
• 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).

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditionsto use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatmentsand to accurately recognize - report and record relevant patient information.
• 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 recognized and considers emotional - 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/proceduresObserves for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medication/treatments - promptly and accurately documenting noted changes - and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent and emergent patient care situation - 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 skillsFosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy anddignity in all aspects of care deliveryEffectively 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 procedureServes 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.

Benefits

• Program Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Pay

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm.