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

A RECRUITMENT OR RELOCATION INCENTIVE MAY BE AUTHORIZED. This position is located at the Puyallup Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). The incumbent must recognize and consider emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio­economic, and age-related factors when organizing and delivering care. The nurse must demonstrate the ability to carry out the most complex practical nursing assignments, including assignments for selected acute care, long term, ambulatory care, or psychiatric patients requiring skilled nursing care. The LPN must demonstrate participation as a member of a health care team with these patients and provide them care on a regular and recurring basis. The Licensed Practical Nurse is fully proficient at the assigned grade; scope of practice, duties, and responsibilities differ among grades. At the full performance level (GS-6), the LPN meets all performance requirements and demonstrates technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties to provide care to patient populations at all complexity levels and care settings. Some of the roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice are covered in four competency areas: Nursing Care Adhere to VA and Nursing Service policies, procedures, and standards. Deliver care to patients in a respectful non-judgmental manner according to the patient Care Plan. Maintain patient privacy. Set limits within nurse/ patient relationships which are clearly defined. Demonstrate understanding of age-and population -specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Perform aspects of admission procedures as directed. Recognize significant changes in the patient. Promptly recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance, and effectively intervene as directed when appropriate. Accurately document and retrieve patient/clinical information using VA computer systems. Organize and prioritize clinical specific activities. Provide effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medications, and prescribed diagnostic and/or treatment regimes, as directed. Adhere to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medicine. Observe patient for adverse effects from medication and report to the team RN. Participate in Quality Improvement activities, as directed. Complete Health Promotion screenings to include behavioral health and immunizations. Set limits within the nurse/patient relationship which are clearly defined. Safety Maintain a safe/clean work environment. Recognize urgent and emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN or MD, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Follow policy and procedure related to fire and disaster drills, safety, and security measures. Adhere to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. Possess knowledge of proper handling and pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment. Demonstrate competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform assigned duties. Complete mandatory safety, equipment, and other annual reviews in a timely manner. Interpersonal Communications Work effectively with patients, families, visitors, co-workers, and members of other services to promote positive interaction. Demonstrate professional behavior (i.e., respect for others, collegiality, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication, and interpersonal skills. Contribute to staff meetings and assigned task force or committees. Customer Service Interact and communicate appropriately with patients and family members. Maintain a work environment that honors diversity. Demonstrate initiative in assisting core and expanded teams. Maintain confidentiality of electronic, written, or verbal patient information. Demonstrate the ability to adjust to change or work pressure and handle differences of opinion in a professional, business like fashion Follow instructions conscientiously and function as a team member. Establish constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills. Foster an environment of respect for individual, patient, and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporate knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and other customers. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Available EDRP Authorized: Contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinators @ [email protected] Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. 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). GRADE DETERMINATION: 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. GS-3. 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. GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN. OR (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5. (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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. (a) Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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. (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. REFERENCES: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, April 10, 2003. 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: The work requires heavy lifting (over 45 pounds), straight pulling (up to 6 hours), pushing (up to 2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking (up to 6 hours), standing (up to 2 hours), repeated bending (up to 6 hours), hearing (aid permitted), and visual acuity correctable to 20/30. Work may be outside and inside and you must be able to work with hands in water and work closely with others.

Education

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If selected for this position, you are encouraged to apply for EDRP within four (4) months of appointment and must meet specific individual eligibility criteria in accordance with VHA Policy 1021. Final award amount and program start date is determined after review of a complete EDRP application, supporting documentation, and final approval by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. Please contact the EDRP Coordinators @ [email protected]

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 VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Randi Tran
• Phone: 509-434-7000 X6680
• Email: [email protected]