The Primary Care service at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is seeking qualified applicants to fill a Licensed Practical Nurse position.

Duties

Preventative Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works under the direction of an RN that reports to the Nurse Manager. The LPN is responsible for: Injections, giving medication and vaccines as ordered Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication. Airway and breathing treatments as ordered EKG's, bladder scans, pulse oximetry, Snellen Chart Eye exams, wraps, catheterizations, woman's health exams, wound observations and documentation. Vital signs collection, completion and interpretation, specimen collections and phlebotomy as prescribed by policy, administers and participates in team assignments, determines a medical emergency and assists with care provided. Completes clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated Assists with procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy Data collection and documentation intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing note Based on the patient's goals, reinforces patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness Assists in medication reconciliation. Notifies the provider of changes. Closes encounters daily Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions Based on the patient's goals provides patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness. Properly handles, reprocesses, and maintains reusable medical equipment according to unit policy, Standard Operating Procedures, and VHA directives. 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 Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. Demonstrates understanding of age and population-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 (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), 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. Serves as an advocate in the protection of patient and family rights. Completes mandatory reviews, including motivational interviewing, in order to promote patient self management toward individualized life plan of care. Demonstrates 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. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage, malfunction, or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies. Appropriately utilizes the computer and various computer packages to enter and retrieve electronic data, i.e., electronic health record, VISTA, mailman, leave requests, and patient information (progress notes, patient education, etc.). Supports the mission, vision, and values of the Healthcare system. 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 (i.e., lifting, moving, position, or transferring), to avoid patient or employee injuries. Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibility of an on-the-job injury is minimized. Reports any work-related injuries or illnesses at the time of occurrence, and completes appropriate documentation. 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. Performs other tasks as requested by providers or supervising nursing personnel within the scope of training and abilities Preferred Experience: Primary Care Experience/Specialty Care GI Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8am - 4:30pm Telework: ADHOC Telework approved. Functional Statement #: 00000 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 agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. 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 provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in both spoken and written English. 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). 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: 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). GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced toGS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in (a) thru (c) below: (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. (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. 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 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. (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. Preferred Experience: Primary Care Experience/Specialty Care GI References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standards. 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: Position requires light to heavy lifting and carrying (15 pounds - 45 pounds and over), pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, walking (5 hours), standing (3 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), use of fingers and both hands required. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Depth perception, and the ability to distinguish basic colors and shade of colors. Hearing (aid permitted).

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 J Pershing VA Medical Center 1500 North Westwood Boulevard Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 US
• Name: Tiffany Coats
• Phone: 615-873-8622
• Email: [email protected]