Career Center

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse and displays knowledge and ability in providing a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. The LPN serves as a responsible member of the nursing team and interacts with patients - family members - professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care - and with members of other services.

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.

Basic Requirements:

• a
• 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.) b
• 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
• Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission] - 61 Broadway - 33rd Floor - New York - NY 10006
• [Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website
• Exceptions include:](1) 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 LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment.(2) [ ] 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
• The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions.[(3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
• See paragraph 4 - section C.] c
• 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
• An LPN[/LVN] who has or has ever had - any license(s) revoked - suspended - denied - restricted - limited - or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3 - section B - paragraph 16 of this part
• d
• Physical Standards
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.A pre employment physical examination will be required
• e
• 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)
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: To be determined according to VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: PART II APPENDIX G13EFFECTIVE DATE: APRIL 10 - 2003LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD
• 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: Long Term Care Experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 06
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 03 to 06
• Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• Mechanical patient lifts are provided
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
• The incumbent must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs
• Must complete annual Employee Health requirements - such as annual TB screening or testing - as a condition of employment.

Duties

• DUTIES MAY INCLUDE HOWEVER ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: Requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• Requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting -\\ bending - pulling - and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
• May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
• Must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs
• Must complete annual employee health requirements as a condition of employment
• Requires flexibility in schedule unit assignment and patient assignments and or detail - as this is a 24/7 facility
• May be assigned to on/off station trips
• Require rotation of tours or indefinite work on non-administrative tours as established by an immediate supervisor
• Must be poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational levels and varied ethnic backgrounds
• Willing to work cooperatively as a member of a team in all assignments
• Makes caring for the Veteran his/her priority while in the work setting and demonstrates customer service principles in all aspects of work
• Self-motivated in the pursuit of meeting professional work standards
• Basic Life Support (BLS) is required for LPN's in direct patient care positions
• Maintains all licensure requirements and education/training as determined by the facility
• The expectations of the LPN/ LVN include participation in data collected - planning - implementing and evaluating: Maintaining positive patient/family relationships
• Assisting in the collection of objective and subjective data relative to more complex patient situations including: Identifying and reporting subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition
• Identify and report variances related to neurological signs - l&O - IV flow rate - vital signs and other parameters
• Participating in patient centered conference/shift reports and contributing information for the development and modification of the patient care plan
• Anticipating a clean - safe and therapeutic environment and taking appropriate actions
• Maintains & promotes safe waking practices in patient care
• Identifying the need for obtaining non-routine supplies and equipment
• Providing physical/psychosocial & spiritual support and instructions relative to diagnostic procedures
• Performing aspects of nursing care in a variety of situations to meet patients' needs for: personal hygiene physical comfort activity - exercise - rest nutrition elimination prevention of skin breakdown rehabilitation aspects of care socialization Anticipating emergent situations and initiating appropriate action
• Performing complex treatments relevant in a variety of situations
• Knowledge and skill sufficient tà make judgments prior to preparing and administering medications and to recognize side effects and/or untoward reactions
• Assisting with monitoring prescribed therapies such oxygen and IV therapy
• Reporting patient status to a registered nurse and documenting information in the medical record including current status and/or subtle changes in patient's physical - psychosocial and spiritual status
• Assisting in orienting patients/family to unit routines and pertinent medical center policies and participating in patient / family teaching conference
• Working as a cooperative courteous member of the interdisciplinary team and promoting team efforts in the improvement of patient care
• Utilizes effective communication techniques
• Displaying respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status - personal attributes or nature of health problems
• Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature
• Legibly and accurately documents pertinent information in the medical record including current status and/or changes in patients' physical - psychosocial and spiritual status
• Consistently applies principles of asepsis to prevent infections and maintain a clean environment
• Consistently uses proper body mechanics
• Appropriately utilizes lifting/transport equipment - protective devices and staff assistance as indicated according to the patient care plan
• Consistently identifies and reports potentially hazardous environmental factors and initiates appropriate actions according to policy to prevent injury
• Work Schedule: Schedule to be discussed with hiring manager - multiple shifts available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Incentive may be up to $12 -000 may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.