Practical Nurse

About the role

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position is located within the VA Community Living Center (CLC) at Wilmington VA Medical Center - Wilmington - DE. The CLC provides care to Veterans with varying diagnoses and treatments.

Responsibilities

• Carries out assignments under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse.
• 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 health condition, promptly and accurately documenting identified changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN/HCP.
• Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the Medical Center.
• Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Health Care Provider (HCP).
• Maintains a high level of functioning in the ability to quickly take action to promote the safety and health of all residents on the unit.
• Conducts routine rounds throughout the shift on a designated group of residents.
• Evaluates and observes residents' levels of acuity and communicates/report changes in acuity level to the covering RN and/or provider.
• Aids in the coordination of transfers of residents to a more acute level of care as applicable, which includes hand-off communication to the receiving unit.
• Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for residents and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions.

Requirements

The CLC LPN is accountable for delivering resident care to the adult/geriatric resident population with varying diagnoses and treatments. He/she carries out assignments under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse.

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.
• Licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.
• Basic Requirements: Full - active - current and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed practical or vocational nurse.
• 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).

Skills

• Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition, and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions.
• Applies comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care.
• Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas.
• Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery.
• Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

GS-7 grade level.

Schedule

Not specified.