This position is located in the Eastern Colorado Health Care System under Patient Care Services/Pueblo Community Living Center. The purpose of this position is to provide a variety of supportive nursing and medical tasks in collaboration with the Pueblo Community Living Center team. The incumbent will serve as a member of the nursing team. All work is reviewed by a Registered Nurse (RN). The PCLC is a 24-hour facility and flexibility in scheduling and assignment may be required.

Duties

Performs and fulfills a variety of nursing care tasks in support of safe and effective patient care with the appropriate level of training. All tasks, assignments, and activities will be under the direction, guidance, and supervision of a RN. Patient Care: - Adheres to the Medical Center policy on Abuse and Neglect, avoiding any act which could be construed as abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of patients and promptly reports any suspected or actual incidents of patient abuse and/or neglect to their immediate supervisor. - Meets the patient's needs for privacy. Ensures that patients are appropriately covered by clothing or bedding. Always closes the patient's door, curtains, and blinds to ensure privacy when providing direct patient care. Follows the medical center policy for release of information and respects patient confidentiality. - Reports abusive, aggressive, threatening behaviors and documents such actions via Disruptive Behavior Reporting System (DBRS). - Incorporates Safe Patient Handling techniques into daily practice. This includes but is not limited to utilization of ceiling and alternative lifts/mobility devices and limb and repositioning slings. - Has knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions: uses judgement 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. - Has the 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. - Reports accurate data to the supervising RN in a timely manner. Documents patient status, medications, and treatments on the appropriate record. Records outcomes of treatment as appropriate. - Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Dons the appropriate PPE based on the type of isolation precaution. - Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical, emotional, or behavioral changes in patient condition from prescribed medications/treatments. Promptly reports noted changes and any deviations from normal to the supervising RN or provider, accurately documenting observations, and notifications. - Utilizes the concepts and guidelines of sterile technique when warranted for any procedure. - Identifies changes in the patient's condition that would constitute the need for special equipment/monitors (i.e., 12-lead EKG, SAO2 monitor). Verbally reports any out of range levels to the RN. - Identifies emergency situations, reports, and initiates effective actions immediately. - Assists in Code Blues by obtaining supplies and following the directions of the supervising RN. - Performs CPR in accordance with the established medical center and Nursing Service policies. - Monitors patients on portable oxygen tanks to ensure that oxygen tanks maintain adequate supply of oxygen. Incumbent changes oxygen tanks as needed or requested; transfers veteran from portable tank to concentrator ensuring oxygen is set for ordered liter flow per minute and applies oxygen via ordered device. - Participates in the interdisciplinary care plan meetings and makes suggestions to enhance the patient specific care plan. - Provides direct patient care. - Performs other duties as assigned. Administrative Responsibility: Demonstrates the non-direct care responsibilities and documentation requirements. These tasks are completed independently, and the Practical Nurse can assist other staff members with these tasks. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the employee' s ability to interact positively with co-workers/ veterans and work effectively with others. The CNA consistently uses positive and effective interpersonal skills even during difficult situations and requires minimal assistance when dealing with difficult patients, families, and co-workers. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 1400-2230 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-3: 554-51647-A, GS-4: 554-51648-A, GS-5: 554-51649-A, GS-6:554-51650-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English. Licensure: Must possess a 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. (COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED) 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 basic requirements. GS-4: 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR, Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. 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 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. 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. 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: 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. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned 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 accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. 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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. 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. 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 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 VA Qualification Standards The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS03 to GS06. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. It requires assisting with transferring patients to wheelchairs/litters and transporting them to other departments. In addition to the aforementioned duties, it may involve moving equipment/objects in excess of 40lbs. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment.

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 Eastern Colorado HCS Denver 13611 E. Colfax Ave Aurora, CO 80045 US
• Name: Berlinda White
• Phone: 872-857-2546
• Email: [email protected]