ASHHRA Career Center

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is recruiting for a Licensed Practical Nurse. The Licensed Practical Nurse will function in Ambulatory Care Nursing Service. This is an open continuous announcement. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. 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. 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). OR 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. OR Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, 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. Licensed Practical Nurse GS-03 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. Licensed Practical Nurse GS-04 Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school 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. Licensed Practical Nurse GS-05 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. 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. 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. Licensed Practical Nurse GS-06 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. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standards, dated April 2003, and OPM Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions at http://www.va.gov/ohrm/joblistings/VAQualStds.doc. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting 45 lbs & over; Heavy Carrying 45 lbs & over; Pushing up to 4 hours; Use of fingers/both hands required. Walking & Standing 8-12 hours; Repeated bending; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16". Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 an to 20/40 in the other. Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid permitted). Emotional and Mental Stability. ["The Licensed Practical Nurse, GS-6, is a direct caregiver who has the knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction in carrying out the most complex nursing care assignments and who completes duties and responsibilities, which involve performing nonstandard and specialized practical nursing activities requiring demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of nursing problems.The GS-6 LPN is accountable to his/her Nurse Manager for performing the functions listed in this Position Description per the performance standards outlined in the Performance Plan for his/her assigned grade. Nursing care duties are performed in a variety of settings, primarily within Ambulatory Care Nursing Service. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to infection and transmittal diseases and ordinary risks and discomforts requiring incidence of unpredictable, assault behavior, unintentional related to confused, disoriented patients and/or patients with psychiatric disorders/history. Nursing care performed comprises a segment of nursing care and contributes to the delivery of health care and the recovery of the patient.Work consists of personal nursing care duties, treatments, diagnostic support, recording, patient teaching and rehabilitation. Recurring duties are carried out independently and employee is able to vary basic procedures to meet the individual needs and capabilities of the patient. Duties include but are not limited to; Follows safe practices and procedures to guard patient and personal safety as well as the safety of other individuals in the Medical Center. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient population. 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. Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. Is consistently aware and responsive to special needs arising from the age and/or cultural needs of patients cared for, treated or served.f. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. Participates with other team members in planning for total patient care. Demonstrates ability to observe, identify, and respond to the patient's need for nursing, medications, and equipment-assisted care. Considers physical, emotional and social factors. 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. Licensed Practical Nurse may be assigned in either PACT or Specialty. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm. Hours may be extended or rotated based on the needs of the Medical Center and our Veterans. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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