If you ARE NOT a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-12139139-23-ML. The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is seeking Licensed Practical Nurses to fill 3 vacancies in the Mental Health Service, located in North Little Rock, AR. The Licensed Practical Nurse provides age-specific nursing care for Veteran inpatients or outpatients with physical, mental, behavioral, or psychosocial needs, according to assignment and training.

Duties

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE, OR YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ELECTRONIC NOTICE THAT YOU ARE RATED INELIGIBLE. SEE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION FOR DETAILS. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) MUST BE DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR RESUME. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT AND REFER BACK TO IT OFTEN WHEN WRITING YOUR RESUME TO ENSURE ALL REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED. The duties of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Mental Health Service include, but are not limited to: Performs assigned duties under the general supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Physician (MD/DO). Assists with data collection for outpatients and new admissions. Observes, reports and documents signs and symptoms of patient's general condition. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and provides input into the Nursing Care Plan and/or the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care. Assists residents with activities of daily living (i.e., bathing, showering, oral hygiene, shaving, feeding, lifting, turning, positioning, ambulation, etc.). Provides effective patient health education in areas such as diabetic self-care, activities of daily living, coughing, deep breathing, suctioning and tracheostomy care, self-administration of medication, prescribed treatment regimes, and additional procedures as directed by the RN. Assumes an educational role with co-workers. Ensures patient's privacy and provides for a safe, clean and therapeutic environment. Performs phlebotomy and administers immunizations upon completion of competency verification. Performs enterostomal care, perineal care, administers enemas, and colostomy irrigations. Provides bowel/bladder training, applies external urinary devices, and performs bladder catheterization. Carries out respiratory treatments such as postural drainage, chest physiotherapy; sets up and initiates oxygen therapy, including nebulization treatments; instructs patient in use of incentive spirometer; monitors and records observations of chest tubes and pleurovacs; and assembles water sealed chest drainage systems. Provides oral, nasopharyngeal and tracheal suctioning, tracheostomy care, wound care, and administers oxygen. Applies abdominal binders, anti-embolic stockings, ace bandages, hyper/hypothermia blankets, alternating pressure boots, and protective/supporting devices or restraints under the direction of the RN or MD/DO. Recognizes and initiates appropriate emergency interventions consistent with training. Performs diagnostic procedures such as TPR, B/P, pain screen, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, I&O, heights, weights, finger-sticks, breathalyzer, and EKGs. Prepares and administers oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous (IV) medications as permitted by Medical Center policies and procedures. Observes and documents the patient's response to medication administered and reports any changes in the patient's condition to the RN or MD/DO. Initiates IV therapy and monitors for prescribed rate, patency, infiltration and/or extravasation upon completion of competency verification. Discontinues IV infusion when directed by the RN or MD/DO. Changes peripheral IV, saline lock dressings, and IV solution administration sets following established protocols. Adds maintenance IV fluids (as approved) via mini bags prepared by the pharmacy through an existing peripheral line/saline lock. Lifts, moves, transfers, and/or transports patients. Uses patient lifting devices, pressure relief mattresses, electronic scales, feeding pumps, and IV pumps without any personal limitations or physical restrictions. Makes frequent rounds on patients, noting environment, changes in patient's behavior and/or physical condition. Promotes patient independence and self-reliance by encouraging participation in decision-making, care plans, and self-care activities. Work Schedule: The tour of duty will vary based on the position being filled. Rotating shifts (days, evenings, nights), weekends, and holidays may be required based on the needs of the Service. The specific tour of duty will be discussed at the time of the interview. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-00005-F (GS-06); 598-00004-F (GS-05); 598-00003-F (GS-04); and 598-00002-F (GS-03) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for eligible, highly qualified candidates. A service agreement is required for all relocation/recruitment incentives. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

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. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) 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). 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. Exceptions include: Health care education 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. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure. Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as an LPN/LVN in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, 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-03: 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-04: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-04 if they meet any of the following criteria: (1) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN; OR (2) 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 (3) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-05: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-04 grade level or equivalent that demonstrates all of the following KSAs: (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or IV 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. (4) 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. (5) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (6) 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-06: Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent that demonstrates all of the following KSAs: (1) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (2) 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 RN or MD/DO for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. (3) 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. (4) Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or IV) 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. (5) 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. (6) 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. (7) 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. (8) 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 more complex, specialized tests/procedures. (9) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Requirements Continue in the Education Section

Education

Preferred Experience:

• A minimum of one year of successful LPN experience/clinical practice required.
• A minimum of one year of successful Mental Health LPN experience.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, nursing process and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of computer systems and standard software programs.
• Demonstrates skills in managing complex systems, with advanced organizational skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of Department of Veterans Affairs regulations, policies and procedures, current Joint Commission Standards, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and other current internal and external accrediting body standards.
• Demonstrates a pleasant and respectful disposition.
• Demonstrates the ability to respond in a positive manner with Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Veterans.

References. VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard, dated April 10, 2003. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

The Full Performance Level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

Physical Requirements. The physical demands of the work include: heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds and over); straight pulling (1 hour); pulling hand over hand (1 hour); pushing (2-4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands and legs required; walking (7 hours); standing (7 hours); kneeling (1/2 hour); repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; 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; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; mental and emotional stability; and hearing without aid. Environmental factors include intermittent excessive noise (machinery/equipment); working outside and inside; dust; working around machinery with moving parts; working with hands in water; working with detergents and antiseptic solutions; working closely with others; and protracted or irregular hours of work (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service).

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 John L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital 4300 West Seventh Street Little Rock, AR 72205 US
• Name: Melissa Lovingood
• Email: [email protected]