Job opening: Practical Nurse
Salary: $44 639 - 72 029 per year
Published at: Dec 14 2023
Employment Type: Full-time
The LPN/LVN assigned to the George E. Wahlen Primary Care Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) functions as a team member under the supervision of the Clinic Nurse Manager, who will work under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) that reports to the Clinic Manager. The LPN/LVN is responsible for observing, recording and reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan.
Duties
Complete a system of nursing tasks that are age/era appropriate for the Veteran.
Complete a system of tasks that are specific to Primary Care Services.
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.
Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner, using evidence-based principles.
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., CPRS, VISTA, mailman, leave requests, and patient information (progress notes, patient education, etc.).
Supports the mission of increasing and supporting virtual appointments (VVC).
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.
Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate
personal protective equipment. Demonstrates safe work practices.
Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations, and reactions to situations and uses this
knowledge in working effectively with patients, family and other staff members.
Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibility of an on-the-job injury is minimized.
Displays an attitude of caring and courtesy toward all Veterans and their families by treating them as customers, greeting them with a smile, referring to them by name, responding quickly to their needs, maintaining confidentiality, and treating them at all times with dignity and respect.
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.
Ensures all actions and interactions are within the guidelines of VHA and Center directives and policies regarding
cultural diversity, prevention of sexual harassment, EEO, etc. by executing assigned duties and responsibilities in a
professional, appropriate manner.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am-430pm (negotiable)
Telework: Not Eligible
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 52470-A, 52471-A, 52472-A, 52473-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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:
Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens 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. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Exceptions include:
Health care education in the military service 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. See paragraph 4, section C.
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.
Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
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-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); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.]
GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below:
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.
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: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
AND
meet 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.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact [in an appropriate manner] with patients, family members, professional and 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.
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 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
AND
meet the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
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.
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.
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:
Primary Care experience
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 VA SALT LAKE CITY HCS
500 Foothill Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84148
US
- Name: Dominique Johnson
- Phone: 801-582-1565
- Email: [email protected]
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