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 will vary based on grade. At the GS-6, full performance level of this assignment, the incumbent is assigned to the VAPSHCS General Medicine Service Line (GMS) functions as the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Clinical Associate team member under the guidance of the Registered Nurse, but must be able to function independently and autonomously, according to established policies, procedures and practices. Duties will include: Responsible for Veteran and Family/Caregiver assessment for health literacy and educational needs, including health coaching and provision of education; and is self-directed. Completes the Health Promotion/clinical reminders/recommendations as appropriate; documents accordingly. Performs care that is demographically and environmentally appropriate; and uses techniques to de-escalate disruptive patients appropriately. Responsible for ongoing, continuous care of assigned panel(s) of Veterans. Functioning at the full extent of the LPN's relevant clinical privileges, credentials, scopes of practice, elements of practice, certification, and other VHA or local facility documentation of competency. Participates in team performance improvements and sustainment activities to optimize team efficiency care delivery with Veterans. Implements primary care operations management processes, as appropriate. Manages communications and facilitating safe transitions of Veterans between the PACT's site of care and other health care settings, using informal and formal communication methods, as appropriate. Provides health education and health coaching on wellness, disease prevention, chronic disease management, and self-management skills with Veterans, Family and Caregivers, Engages Veterans in using health care, encouraging Veterans to engage family and caregivers, receiving input from Veterans and caregivers regarding VA care. Uses formal and informal communications that are respectful, effective, timely, and bidirectional with all team members, including the Veteran and Family/Caregivers, to convey significant, clinically relevant information for the care of the Veteran. Manages clinic workflow; ensuring Veterans are placed in examination rooms in a timely manner, and providing direction with Veterans as they move through the clinic environment. To provide VA Video Connect (VVC), Clinical Video Technology (CVT), or Telemedicine the LPN is responsible for maintaining knowledge of and skill in applying an intensive body of rules, procedures, and operations in telehealth- related technologies and a variety of computer hardware/ software used in technology, data entry ,retrieval, record maintenance, document, and report generation. Prepares the clinical environment, which may include telecommunications equipment to be used for clinical examination and treatment and serve, within their of scope of practice, as a tele presenter for VVC or Telemedicine in task such as establishing and maintaining video connection, making introductions between patients and providers and following the instructions of the clinician to facilitate an effective clinical encounter. Takes measures to ensure patient care is delivered safely by following appropriate procedures for cleaning of clinical equipment and care of environment by following all safety guidelines, protocols, and procedures and completing standardized clinical questionnaires and templates within scope of training and applicable guidelines. Arranges and completes test video calls with veterans in preparation of video calls; ensuring information and resources are maintained for local and remote telehealth providers so they can effectively execute contingency and emergency plans. May be required to perform specimen collection of (urine, sputum, blood, or stool) ensuring to utilize proper labeling, packaging, and transport instructions from the Primary Care Community Based Clinics or assigned areas to the main facility laboratory. Adhere to applicable infection control guidelines of hand hygiene before and after venipuncture of all patients. Incumbent will be able to resolve order discrepancies by contacting the order originator for further clarification, notifying supervisor of unresolved orders. Maintain a safe and secure working environment by adhering to local medical center standards, policies, and procedures as well as other federal or state regulating bodies to include but not limited to Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Health and Safety Administrator (OSHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator @ [email protected] Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized 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: 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. Transcripts must be submitted at time of application. Conferral of degree(s) must be stated on transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Exceptions include: Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth 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). 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-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Candidates may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the following criteria: 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. Employees assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities: 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/Health Technicians 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. 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. Employees assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities: Proficient in initiating, performing and completing 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 recognize, report and record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse or physician 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 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. 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. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: 1 year ambulatory Care References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 II-G13-1 APPENDIX G13. LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD 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: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling, Pushing, 2 hours; Walking, 6 hours; Standing, 2 hours; Repeated bending, 6 hours; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Visual Acuity 20/30 corrected; Working with hands in water, working closely with others.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript with confer date 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: Michelle Yahne
• Phone: 503-220-8262 X53055
• Email: [email protected]