Summary This position is in the Women Veterans Program (WVP), Chief of Staff. The LPN will be providing clinical and administrative support for the Women Veterans Program. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy. This recruitment is internal to VISN6 only. This means to be within the area of consideration, you must be employed at one of the following: VHA Ashville VHA Durham VHA Fayetteville NC VHA Hampton VHA Richmond VHA Salem VHA Salisbury Responsibilities The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) reports to the Women Veterans Program Manager ((WVPM) and provides critical clinical and administrative support, outreach support, event organization activities, and health care coordination for one of the fastest-growing women Veteran's population in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The WVP-LPN will complete duties and responsibilities which involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities requiring demonstrated skill to resolve a range of nursing and administrative issues. Public speaking will be a requirement of the position. Performs practical nursing measures with precision and efficiency, consistent with Medical Center Policy and procedure and within legal and ethical responsibilities of his or her licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The WVP-LPN incorporates trauma-informed care into their daily interactions with Veterans. All other duties as assigned. The incumbent may receive a variety of additional assignments or special projects either to meet the needs of the medical center or designed for professional growth of the individual. As the designated WVP's care coordinator, the LPN will: Functions as a nurse navigator and facilitates scheduling of gender-specific wellness exams for the WVPMs. Documents care accurately into the electronic health record and ensures that electronic alerts accurately reflect care provided and due dates are accurate. The LPN will possess the knowledge and skills to perform, report, and record assigned nursing care during clinical visits with the WVPMs, including, but not limited to: a. Performs all functions normally taught in a basic practical or vocational nursing program as are consistent with policies of this facility. b. The LPN performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care including, but not limited to: (1) Obtain vital signs, including BP, heart rate, temperature, respirations, pulse-ox, pulses, height and weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). (2) Accurately and promptly documents observations, treatments, patient care and responses to treatment on appropriate records. (3) Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication. (4) Completion of additional pain screening for pain 4 or more, and suicide screening for positive PHQ-2, positive PTSD, or pain score of over 6. (5) Performs point-of-care (POC) testing including pregnancy tests, and fingerstick blood glucose measurements. (6) Chaperones during patient exams utilizing trauma informed care communications. (7) Ensures proper labeling of all lab specimens. (8) Administers vaccinations per policy and protocols. (9) Completes patient and family education as appropriate. (10) Demonstrates understanding of age- and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. 7. Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance, and effectively intervenes as directed. 8. Assists program managers with generating reports from various types of databases. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety, and security measures. Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information. Maintains a work environment that honors diversity. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner, using evidence-based principles. Assists with maintaining tracking reports to help meet programmatic goals. Incumbent handles unusual or unprecedented problems independently, acting, and recommending solutions in collaboration with the WVPM and Deputy WVPM. The LPN will be required to learn about new initiatives mandated by the central planners for the VA's women's health programs. This includes assisting on data analyses to justify any applications for grant-funded initiatives. The grant-related functions will include coordinating meetings, interacting with leadership from any interdisciplinary departments, obtaining information from vendors necessary for submission for equipment, supply, and training requests. The LPN functions as the Control Point Clerk for Women Veterans Health programs, and will be proficient at submitting requests for equipment, supplies, and work orders. The LPN serves as WVPM's technical backup when they are on travel or leave. Incumbent applies skill in the use of a variety of software packages to accomplish word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, graphics, calendar, and electronic mail duties. The incumbent performs other duties related to office management as directed by the WVPMs. Schedule: Determined by supervisor Virtual: This is not a virtual position Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: 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 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. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements listed above GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs (a) through (c) below: 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. LPNs 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 judgment, 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. GS-6 Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent , fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant] patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. 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 from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. Knowledge and skill in performing 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. Reference: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G-13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard dated April 10, 200 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: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); Straight pulling; Pulling hand overhand; Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers, both hands required; Walking; Standing; Kneeling; Repeated bending, both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors; Hearing without aid; Hearing whispers; Mental and Emotional Stability. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.