Practical Nurse

About the role

The LPN is responsible for observing - recording - and reporting changes in the patient's condition, both through in-person care or through a virtual healthcare modality, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan for life. The LPN is a member of the patient healthcare Teamlet.

Responsibilities

• Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention
• Performs, reports, and documents assigned nursing care in the Primary Care Clinics for both in-person and virtual care modalities, including but not limited to: Oxygen administration if applicable
• Adhere to the PACT Nursing Protocols within scope of practice
• Medication administration to include Immunizations
• Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated
• Checks expiration dates of meds and supplies
• Delegated procedures and treatments
• Affords assistance with minor procedures - including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy
• Promotes whole health initiatives to include but not limited to - Tele-MOVE - Guided imagery
• Conducts chart audits as assigned
• Facilitates Clinical Video Technology appointments
• Checks in and checks out Veterans on a daily basis
• Collaborates with PACT team to review future appointments
• Participates in daily huddles
• Secures Messaging with appropriate response and recommendation within scope
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, can be Assistant Nurse Manager or Nurse Manager
• Adheres to standards of practice and safe techniques in preparation and administration of medication
• Demonstrates understanding of age-and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran
• Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations - seeks assistance - and effectively intervenes as directed when appropriate

Requirements

• Basic Requirements: Citizenship - Citizen of the United States (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.)
• 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
• 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

Qualifications

• GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements
• 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
• GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• GS-6: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent

Skills

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

Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies - promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action

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

Organizes and delivers care - recognizing and considering emotional - socio-economic - and age-related factors

Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular and/or intravenous)

Reports any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO

Recognizes and appropriately responds to urgent or emergent patient care situations - seeks assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO - and initiates appropriate emergency interventions as directed

Recognizes and understands human behavior - patient motivations and reactions to situations - and utilizes this knowledge in working effectively with patients - family members - and other staff

Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery

Incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients - family members - and - or other internal/external customers

Performs 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

Benefits

Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position