The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a direct caregiver who has the knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction in carrying out the most complex practical nursing care assignments. Performs complex age specific nursing care for inpatients and outpatients, ranging in age from young adult to geriatric with a variety of physical, mental, behavioral, or psychological needs.

Duties

Major Duties: Demonstrates ability to vary the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on the patients' conditions, to use judgement in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines, and to accurately report and record significant patient information. Demonstrates ability to observe, identify and respond to the patients' needs for nursing, medication, and equipment-assisted care and to recognize deviations from normal. In modifying patient care plans, the employee considers physical, emotional and social factors. Possesses practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations and reactions to situations. Demonstrates ability to use this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family and other staff members. Demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations. Performs complex practical nursing procedures and practices requiring broad work experiences and knowledge with minimal or no instructions needed from the RN. Some of these include but are not limited to: Able to perform intravenous (IV) site care, monitors and adjusts IV flow rates on infusion pumps, assesses IV site for signs of infiltration, and discontinues mainline IVs as instructed by the RN. Changes primary IV bags that contain no secondary additives and with a check against the original physician's order. Initiates and/or changes primary line of IV tubing and hangs piggyback IVs. Performs heparin lock flushes. All LPNs hired after 4/1/02 will start peripheral IVs. Participates in planning and modifying care plans with the approval of the RN. or the Case Manager in the Domiciliary. Will modify care plans when representing the RN at the Interdisciplinary Team meetings with the co-signature of the Interdisciplinary Team Coordinator. Participates in the orientation of new LPNs and Nursing Assistants (NA). This role may include serving as a preceptor. Performs the duties of case manager in Adult Day Health Care. Contributes to the Interdisciplinary Team in development, implementation and evaluation of patients' treatment and discharge plans, and promotes patient participation in the therapeutic environment by fostering self-reliance and independence. Actively participates in Performance Improvement (PI) activities at the unit level, such as: identifying PI needs, provide input in the development of PI monitors, and data collection. Initiates and/or coordinates patient groups and provides appropriate documentation for these groups (this can include educational group activities). Has ability to deal with the behaviorally difficult or physically challenging patients, meeting their care needs without risk to caregivers or others. Assigns and follows up to verify completion of duties of other nonprofessional personnel. Coordinates and maintains activities during emergent situations or in the absence of an RN in the immediate area. Participates in at least I of the following: Unit patient education coordinator Infection control rounds Medical Center or Program Line committee membership Super user for Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and/or Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) Functional Independence Measure (FIM) certified Train the trainer for violence prevention Pre and Post procedure telephone calls CPR instructor Start IVs Provides input into the performance appraisals of other LPNs and NAs Administers selected medications by the following methods: oral, rectal, topical, instillation, via nasogastric tube, subcutaneous and intramuscular according to Medical Center policy and under minimal supervision of the RN. On a regular and recurring basis uses judgment in the administration of certain medications based on knowledge including checking blood pressure, noting blood sugar levels and other blood levels prior to administering medication. Demonstrates knowledge of actions, side effects, adverse reactions, and potential risks of a wide range of medications. Demonstrates the knowledge of age-related data interpretation such as effects of medications on the elderly including metabolism, absorption, and elimination of medication related to age, drug interactions and sensitivities, and fluid volume balance related to age. Is proficient in the use of Bar Code Medication Administration in the Computerized Patient Record System. Utilizes proper body mechanics, lifting devices, and assistance from co-workers in performance of patient activities, which may require considerable lifting, bending, and moving patients. Adjusting assistive approaches to meet the age-related needs, i.e., older people bruise more easily than younger people do. Work Schedule: Evenings (3:30pm- 12:00am) and/ or Nights (11:45pm- 7:45am) Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Written and Spoken Physical Standards: All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to employment may be required. 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. 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. 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 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. GS-4 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. 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.

Contacts

• Address VA Butler Healthcare 353 North Duffy Road Butler, PA 16001 US
• Name: Crystal Conrad
• Phone: (412) 822-3550
• Email: [email protected]