This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Duties: The incumbent completes duties and responsibilities which involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities which involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities requiring a broad experience. The incumbent provides direct independent care to adult and geriatric Veterans, with high risk for limb loss; as determined by meeting criteria for acceptance into the prevention of amputation in Veterans everywhere(PAVE) program as a result of being diabetic, having vascular insufficiency, and/or neuropathy. Prioritize patient care needs and adjust plans for the delivery of patient care. Functions independently in the clinic setting; manages a nursing podiatry clinic and is responsible for patient flow under the more general supervision of the Podiatrist. Responsible for following facility police and national directive regarding set up, and pretreatment of reusable medical equipment(RME). The incumbent will be a mentor to other staff members to provide orientation and training for RME in both the nail and primary care procedure clinics in proper disposition of stainless-steel instruments. Possess the 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. Role responsibilities and accountabilities also include demonstrations of knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the population related needs of patients served in the assigned area of practice. This knowledge includes understanding changes associated with aging and special populations, i.e., OIF/OEF, Vietnam, Desert Shield/Storm, Korea, WWII, Iraq, etc. Incorporates information from foot screenings to determine if care needs are specific to foot care. This may involve ankle brachial indexes (ABI) or vascular studies are ordered by the Podiatrist. The incumbent performs wound cleansing, dressing changes, and educates patients of proper use of creams, wound cleansers or antiseptics. Performs a variety of special foot care procedures such as: (a) Debrides the toenails by cutting along the natural line of the nail, using mycotic nippers as needed. (b) Independently evaluates patients with prior low-level foot wounds for proper healing. Changes dressings as appropriate per VA protocol and notifies the PCP or Podiatrist if problems arises. Prioritizes foot care on each patient. Priority is determined by foot screening and patients are scheduled based upon risk factors and PAVE criteria. Routinely manages the care of the patient based on presenting assessment. Obtains neuropathic would specimens for cultures as ordered per protocol. Proactively assists the PCP or Podiatrist in addressing patient's needs for medications and treatments. This would include medications for Tinea Pedis, Neuropathy or Gout. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 0800-1630 Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing, approved by the appropriate state accrediting agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the state approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 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-7 (a)Completion of] at least one (1)year of [additional] qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN. Maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) 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. (i) 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. (j) 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 GS-7. Preferred Experience: Two years podiatry experience. Certification in foot care. References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13 Licensure: Full, active, 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the job include lifting extremities (heavy swollen legs), balancing to perform difficult angle nail cutting using multiple types of medical equipment, stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, and crouching for extended periods. This activity is all day for every patient. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 and local LPN/LVN physical standards for additional information.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address WG Bill Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144 US
• Name: Anne Stone
• Phone: 980-844-2537
• Email: [email protected]