The primary purpose of the Licensed Vocational Nurse is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, position customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran. This position is physically located at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in Waco. 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. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Graduate of a school of vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), http://www.nlnac.org/ at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission]. Exceptions include: Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Licensed vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred Experience: Basic Life Support At least 1 year of behavioral/mental health nursing experience. 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 (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher-level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the following criteria: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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; or Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. LPN's at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgement, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. 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. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other 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 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. 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. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. The GS-06 Qualification Standards and Physical requirements for this position are listed in the Education section of this announcement. ["This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is April 1, 2022. Additional applications will be referred as needed. MAJOR DUTIES: The LVN performs patient care duties under the direct supervision of the RN. He/she provides patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, spiritual, chronological, recreational, and diversion needs of the adult (ages 17-59) or geriatric (ages 60+) patient. The LVN demonstrates knowledge of changes associated with aging and provides care based upon age related factors as specified in his/her competencies. Contributes to the interdisciplinary team in developing, implementing, and evaluating the patient's treatment plan. Promotes patient participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence. This is a clinical role and functions will include providing assistance to medical, nursing and ancillary personnel with patient care and diagnostic or therapeutic tests and procedures. Performance of phlebotomy, lab specimen preparation and storage, obtaining and recording vital signs, body measurements, medication administration including vaccinations, narcotics and skin testing and monitoring of supplies. Responsible for providing care for patients with porta-caths, central lines, PICC lines, dressing changes, etc. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for nursing care and to recognize deviations from normal. Performs assigned duties, treatments, or procedures in acceptable timeframes, following established policies and practices. The position requires an individual who is motivated and an excellent team player, with flexibility to assume other functions related to patient care on an as-needed basis within the clinic environment. Possesses excellent communication skills and is able to interview and effectively interact with Veteran's and their families. Demonstrates time management and organizational skills in the work day. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts / Nights and Weekends: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm; 3:30 pm - 12:00 am (midnight); 11:30 pm - 8:00 am\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: PD000000\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]