Career Center

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position is a Surgery Specialty Care position with assignments in various clinics and a variety of settings, e.g. Dermatology, Orthopedics, Audiology, Ophthalmology, Urology, and other outpatient clinics. He/she is responsible for direct patient care activities under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). The LPN works in a self-directed manner which requires minimal supervision from the RN. 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. Previous experience in surgery/specialty clinics assisting with procedures is highly preferred. 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. 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. 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. 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 stated in section A, 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-3: None beyond the basic requirements, which include: 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 (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). GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 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. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II, Appendix G-13 ["In the position of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a Surgery Specialty Care clinic such as: Audiology, Ophthalmology, Urology, and other outpatient clinics, duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: - Administer medications per proper procedures and protocol\n- Chart medications and patient reactions with technical accuracy\n- Recognize and respond to emergency situations per established protocol\n- Perform suture removals and wound care according to established guidelines\n- Perform clinic-based competencies such as: supra pubic tube change and specialized injections/procedures in Urology; phototherapy along with patch testing in Dermatology; nail clipping in Podiatry\n- Utilize reusable medical equipment per established medical and safety procedures\n-Utilize knowledge of human behavior, motivations and reactions to effectively work with patients, families, significant others, and staff. Major Duties Delivers safe, basic physical and emotional care to patients with simple needs while developing technical skills. Adheres to VA and Nursing policies, procedures and standards. Offers physiological, psychological and spiritual comfort to the dying patient, his/her family and/or significant others. Performs care of the body after death. Gathers data to provide input to the accountable nurse to assist in developing and updating plans of care. Obtains and records objective and subjective data relevant to a bio-psychosocial profile under the supervision of the accountable nurse. Performs 24-hour chart check for transcription/verification of all written, active medication and treatment orders. Cleans RME (Reusable Medical Equipment) per SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures including preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination and monitoring the patient's condition Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, schedule to be determined by assigned clinic needs with possible weekends (Additional information regarding the tour of duty may be discussed during the interview process.)\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: A recruitment incentive of 20% (pre-taxed) has been authorized for Eligible, highly qualified applicants. Please contact the HR specialist for specific requirements.\nPhysical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, Reaching above shoulder, Both hands required, Walking and standing(8 hours), both legs required, Near vision correctable at 13\" to 16\" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Specific hearing requirements (Color Hearing) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6."]