The Licensed Practical\Vocational Nurse assigned to the George E. Wahlen Primary Care Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics functions as a team member under the supervision of the Clinic Nurse Manager, who will work under the direction of a Registered Nurse that reports to the Clinic Manager. The LPN/LVN is responsible for observing, recording & reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan. 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. Or 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. 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 VA Handbook 5005. 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). Grandfathering Provision 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: GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Experience and/or Education Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5 Experience Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. AND Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (a) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (f) Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. GS-6 Experience Completion of at least [one (1) year of [additional] qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent AND Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (a) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) 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. (i) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: previous clinic experience is preferred. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 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. 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 a weight of 35 pounds in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Program Directive 2010-032. Transferring patients and objects may be required. 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 and clinic need. ["Provides injections, gives medication and vaccines. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication. Provides airway and breathing treatments. Performs EKG's, bladder scans, pulse oximetry, Snellen Chart Eye exams, wraps, catheterization, woman's health exams, wound observations and documentation, Dopplers of legs, foot exams, skin observations, hygiene and simple nutrition teaching, medication teaching, suture removal glucose meter reading and transmission into the medical record. Collects vital signs, completes and interprets, specimen collections and phlebotomy, administers and participates in team assignments, determines a medical emergency and assists with care provided. Completes clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts. Assists with procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Collects data and documents intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing notes. Reinforces patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness. Assists in medication reconciliation and notification to the provider. Closes encounters daily. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. Handles, reprocesses, and maintains reusable medical equipment. Maintains confidentiality and privacy of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information (HIPPA). Demonstrates initiative in assisting the PACT team and other multi-disciplinary teams. Observes and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Seeks assistance and guidance of changes in the patient's condition. Demonstrates understanding of specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Interacts and communicates in a Veteran-centered manner with patients and family members. Demonstrates professional behavior, effective communication and interpersonal skills. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures. Assists in the orientation and competency validation of students, peers and clerical staff. Advocates for the protection of patient and family rights. Completes mandatory reviews, including motivational interviewing. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Recognizes and responds to breakage, malfunction, or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies. Utilizes the computer and various computer packages to enter and retrieve electronic data. Supports the mission of increasing and supporting virtual appointments (WC). Identifies and participates in process improvement initiatives. Participates in unit level quality improvement activities. Maintains Joint Commission standards related to patient care Completes annual nursing mandatory reviews as well as competencies and continuous learning requirements. Utilizes correct body mechanics and assistive devices and equipment appropriately when providing patient care to avoid patient or employee injuries. Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations, and reactions to situations and uses this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family and other staff members. Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibility of an on-the­-job injury is minimized. Displays an attitude of caring and courtesy toward all Veterans and their families by treating them as customers, greeting them with a smile, referring to them by name, responding quickly to their needs, maintaining confidentiality, and treating them at all times with dignity and respect. Demonstrates appropriate telephone courtesy by identifying self and service or work section when answering the phone, responding to the caller in a polite and courteous manner. Initiates patient calls and patient care follow-up in accordance with facility policy. Monitors and restocks exam room medical/clerical supplies. Ensures all actions and interactions are within the guidelines of VHA and Center directives and policies regarding cultural diversity, prevention of sexual harassment, EEO, etc. by executing assigned duties and responsibilities in a professional, appropriate manner. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, 4 days a week, 7:00am-5:30pm, 1 day off. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000, 07238A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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