PACT Licensed Vocational Nurse (Clearlake)

About the role

The Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) at the Clearlake VA Outpatient Clinic provides direct patient care and clinical support to Veterans as part of the VA's team-based primary care model. The LVN delivers safe, compassionate, and patient-centered nursing care while supporting the coordination of services within the PACT model. The LVN plays an important role in promoting continuity of care, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring Veterans receive timely access.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document patient vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, height, weight, and pain assessment.
• Perform patient intake and prepare Veterans for provider examinations.
• Assist providers with physical exams, procedures, and treatments.
• Administer medications, immunizations, and injections according to provider orders and established protocols.
• Perform clinical procedures such as wound care, dressing changes, electrocardiograms (EKGs), specimen collection, and point-of-care testing.
• Maintain proper infection control practices and ensure a clean and safe clinical environment.
• Support the PACT model by coordinating patient care activities within the team.
• Schedule follow-up appointments, diagnostic tests, and specialty referrals as directed by providers.
• Assist in managing patient panels by monitoring preventive care reminders and chronic disease management needs.
• Participate in patient telephone triage and relay patient concerns to the appropriate provider or RN.
• Track laboratory results and diagnostic tests and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Provide education to Veterans and family members regarding medications, treatments, and disease management.
• Reinforce provider instructions and encourage patient participation in their care plans.
• Promote preventive health measures such as vaccinations, screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Accurately document patient care, procedures, and communications in the electronic health record in accordance with VA policy.
• Assist with clinic flow management to support timely patient care delivery.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated patient care.

Requirements

• Obtain and document patient vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, height, weight, and pain assessment.
• Perform patient intake and prepare Veterans for provider examinations.
• Assist providers with physical exams, procedures, and treatments.
• Administer medications, immunizations, and injections according to provider orders and established protocols.
• Perform clinical procedures such as wound care, dressing changes, electrocardiograms (EKGs), specimen collection, and point-of-care testing.
• Maintain proper infection control practices and ensure a clean and safe clinical environment.
• Support the PACT model by coordinating patient care activities within the team.
• Schedule follow-up appointments, diagnostic tests, and specialty referrals as directed by providers.
• Assist in managing patient panels by monitoring preventive care reminders and chronic disease management needs.
• Participate in patient telephone triage and relay patient concerns to the appropriate provider or RN.
• Track laboratory results and diagnostic tests and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Provide education to Veterans and family members regarding medications, treatments, and disease management.
• Reinforce provider instructions and encourage patient participation in their care plans.
• Promote preventive health measures such as vaccinations, screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Accurately document patient care, procedures, and communications in the electronic health record in accordance with VA policy.
• Assist with clinic flow management to support timely patient care delivery.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated patient care.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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 Columbia.
• Completion of at least one 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 patient care.
• 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.
• 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.