The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Wilmington HCC is hiring a Licensed Practical Nurse; The Licensed Practical Nurse will function as a responsible member of the Occupational Health Team under the guidance of Primary Care Service Line, and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary for self-direction in planning, implementing, and evaluating of programs assigned. Competency will be validated during the orientation period and annually.

Duties

The Occupational Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS 7 meets all the requirements for LPN GS 3,4,5,6 and performs in more complex outpatient assignments (see job responsibilities). The LPN GS 7 will consistently demonstrate technical skills as well as comprehensive knowledge of the program which she/he coordinates without the need for readily available supervision. The duties of the Nursing Assistant (Escort) include, but are not limited to: Uses skills and knowledge to actively contribute to the overall planning of the PPD and immunization program for VAMC Employees. Acts as primary program coordinator for Medical Center TB test administration and TB exposure screening activities. Functions independently, using information gathered from infection control staff and area supervisory staff to assist with plans. . Administers TB tests, and vaccines to VAMC employees, volunteers, WOCs, and others as necessary, according to Occupational Clinic Guidelines. Functions under general supervisory guidelines, with no immediate supervisor available during odd tours of duty. Interprets TB skin tests, with consultation if required, and documents in the electronic medical file. Provides follow up activities related to employees with TB exposure and testing. (Will include phone calls, e-mails, and visits to work area. Provides follow up for body fluids incidents, and hepatitis B vaccine. Assists with Employee Whole Health programming and large vaccine drives such as influenza and others. Assists with preparation of employees for examinations: vital signs, history, lab requests, specimen collection, and other routine nursing activities. Dimension: Professional Keeps all medical records of vaccines, TB testing, and body fluids incidents up to date. Assists with report writing for these activities. Schedules appointments for those who are due occupational health examinations. Institutes follow up to assure that employees complete occupational examination activities. Prepares a list of employees who fail to complete screening at the end of each month and sends to Service Line Manager for action. Acts to prevent injury to self and others by complying with safety policies and procedures, using correct injection and disposal techniques when administering vaccines and TB testing in accordance with the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard as provided in the Medical Center Infection Control Policy. Recognizes and acts on any emergency, such as allergic response to vaccine, taking appropriate steps to initiate emergency treatment. . Accepts other assignments as needed within the Occupational Health Clinic. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Preferred experience in surgical and/or ambulatory care Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizen may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006 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 Determinations:GS-7. (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-6 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; Dated, April 2003.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

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 Fayetteville NC VA Medical Center 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 US
• Name: Terressa Davis-Thomas
• Phone: 910-488-2120 X1618
• Email: [email protected]