Summary The Licensed Vocational Nurse/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) has a broad degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills. The LVN/LPN will assist in the Specialty Care Clinics performing a wide array of duties to assist with the efficient flow of clinics and care coordination. Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities of the Intermittent LVN include: Uses sound clinical judgment, has ability to vary the order and sequence of assignments based on patients' conditions. Utilizes knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when planning patient care, and uses this knowledge effectively in day-to-day interactions with patients and families. Recognizes deviations from patient's baseline. Demonstrates ability to respond to patient's immediate and long-term needs. Prepares and administers medications correctly and understands the action and side effects of all medications administered. 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. Performs complex treatments and procedures with exceptional skill and knowledge. Applies knowledge of Medical Center Policies and Procedures to his/her daily clinical functions and responsibilities. Age differences - delivers nursing care that reflects the various phases of the life cycle from 18 to 85 years and over. Distinguishes individual age need differences, considers maturation changes, promotes health in all phases, differentiates the need for special equipment, and considers the young adults and abuse problems. Applies knowledge of effective verbal interactions and preventative tactics, such as the use of the least restrictive environment, when confronted by aggressive or potentially assaultive patients. Knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when planning patient care, and uses this knowledge appropriately to respond to Code Blue emergencies. Recognizes and initiates life saving measures appropriately in the absence of other members of the Healthcare Team. Participates in the planning and/or implementation of various codes and emergency management procedures. Uses safe techniques when giving patient care and handling equipment, using standard precautions and personal/patient protective equipment. Recognizes and reports unsafe situations. Initiates appropriate emergency interventions. Assesses acute and subtle changes and consistency in patients' mental and physical condition and intervenes appropriately. Applies knowledge of human behavior and the various degrees of physical and mental impairment, is able to modify patient/family teaching methods. Assists the professional nurse in planning and implementation of patient educational or recreational activities. Motivates patients to participate in learning and recreational activities to improve their quality of life. Recognizes patient care management difficulties or problems and makes suggestions for change. Communicates with patients and families in a calming, reassuring, and supportive manner. Observes patient while on the unit and more frequently as directed in accordance with facility policies. Maintains courtesy during telephone and direct verbal interactions with patients, families, and visitors. Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and all members of the Interdisciplinary Team. Has ability to elicit feelings, attitudes, and promote positive communication and socialization skills with patients. Motivates others to support Medical Center policies and procedures. Maintains a safe work environment and adheres to Safety and Infection Control Guidelines. Utilizes proper body mechanics, encourages others to do so, and includes information regarding prevention of injury during unit In-service and Patient Care Conferences. Responds promptly and effectively to Fire and Disaster Drills and alarms, actively assisting others as needed. Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) is any medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients. All personnel must understand that improper use and reprocessing of medical devices poses significant negative impact on our Veteran population through the risk of infectious disease Complies with established policies and procedures based on Directive 1116(2) Sterile Processing Services. Work Schedule: 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment NOTE: Prior to accepting a final employment offer, all selected applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination and maintain CDT physical readiness. 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. Must be able to meet physical demands which include strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping. 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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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. 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 LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN. Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-05 Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications. This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies. GS-06 Proficiency 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, using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information. Ability to observe, identify, and response to a patient's needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for, documents, and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members and other staff. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which includes preparing the patient and 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. Preferred Experience and Certifications 2-3 years of experience as LPN/LVN experience Salary for this position ranges dependent upon applicant qualifications GS-05: $72,353-$94,051 annually GS-06: $78,734-$102,350 annually The full performance level of this vacancy is 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 6. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The position requires potentially, long periods of combined walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable or working effectively in stressful situation, able to shift priorities based on needs of the organization. The incumbent may be required to travel occasionally. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. Telework is position dependent and appropriate approvals are required; telework is not guaranteed and incumbent must comply with all regulations relevant to telework agreements, policies, and processes. If a position requires driving, incumbent is required to maintain compliance with all relevant policies and processes. 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/. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement. The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Additional Information 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.