The LPN works under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse and displays knowledge and ability in providing a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. The LPN serves as a responsible member of the nursing team and interacts with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services.

Duties

Duties may include however are not limited to the following: 1. Establishing positive patient/family/staff relationships by utilizing appropriate communication skills. 2. Assisting in the collection and documentation of routine objective and subjective data relative to uncomplicated patient situations. 3. Participating in patient centered conferences and shift reports. 4. Assisting and maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment. Adhering to all safety and health standards, regulations, and work practices. 5. Providing competent patient care in a manner which ensures safety to patients, staff, visitors, and self, and seeking direction as needed. 6. Obtaining appropriate supplies and equipment for patient care delivery. 7. Assisting with simple diagnostic measures, including collection of urine and stool specimens, and collecting and/or testing any other specimens as instructed. 8. Performing and/or assisting in all aspects of nursing care to meet patients uncomplicated needs for: a. Psychosocial/Spiritual well being b. Personal Hygiene c. Physical Comfort and privacy d. Activity, exercise, rest e. Nutrition f. Elimination g. Prevention of skin breakdown 9. Assisting with appropriate actions in emergency situations; initiating CPR when indicated. Maintains BLS certification. 10. Performing routine treatments. 11. Administering medications to patients and seeking clarification of orders as necessary. Identifying the need for PRN medications, recognizing and reporting effects of medication. Documenting the administration of all medications in the Medical Record following established policies. Documenting the response to PRN medications in the medical record. 12. Recording information in the medical record and reporting patient status to RN. Documenting patient/family/significant other teaching and their response to the teaching. 13. Assisting in orienting patients/family/staff to unit routines. 14. Displaying respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes, or nature of health problems. 15. Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by protecting information of a confidential nature. 16. Working as a cooperative and courteous member of the nursing team. 17. Assisting with the implementation of the quality improvement program. 18. Following established safety practices and reporting to the supervisor, as promptly as possible, conditions, unsafe practices, or any occupational illness or injury which was sustained. 19. Completes requirements and appropriate competencies before the due date for the area in which they are assigned. 20. Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and other staff. 21. Applying relevant growth and development processes when treating and caring for veterans. Follows established policies and procedures when giving care. Completes routine assignments in a timely manner. Recognizes unusual circumstances and seeks assistance, as appropriate. Assists others in the provision of nursing care. Consistently follows policies and procedures related to administration of medications, and accurately administers medications to patients. Applies relevant growth and development processes when treating and caring for age specific veterans. Identifies physical, social, psychological, cultural needs of veterans. Able to provide information regarding patients' condition and the environment to the registered nurse at designated reporting times. Legibly and accurately documents observations made and care given on the appropriate flow sheets and on the Progress Notes. *SAFETY Accomplishes daily assigned unit maintenance tasks in a thorough and timely manner. Accurately applies principles of asepsis to prevent infections and to maintain a clean environment. Uses proper body mechanics and lifting and protective devices to prevent injury to self or patients, on a daily basis. Uses proper protective equipment as required. Works as a member of the nursing team. Displays fundamental communication techniques in relating to patients/families on a daily basis. Responds in a positive manner to suggestions and constructive criticism of the registered nurse. Actively supports the meeting of customer service expectations through demonstrated application of excellence in interpersonal skills. Fosters within the work environment the concept that every contact with an external and/or internal customer is an opportunity to make a positive impression. Effectively uses techniques of verbal/nonverbal communication, active listening and service recovery. Demonstrates constant improvement in abilities/skills essential to excellent customer service. Participates in the unit's quality improvement program. Work Schedule: Full Time, Night Shift. 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. 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: (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C. 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. d. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.e. 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: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 APRIL 10, 2003 PART II APPENDIX G13. Preferred Experience: One year or more experience med-surg, sub-acute, long term care or similar. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 APRIL 10, 2003 PART II APPENDIX G13. The full performance level of this vacancy is Grade 06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Grade 03 to Grade 06. Physical Requirements: A pre employment physical will be required if selected.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Jacob Cawley
• Phone: 5853942000 X37768
• Email: [email protected]