This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit EDRP application within 4 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

The Charles George VAMC currently has one (1) opening in Community Living Center 2. VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) are committed to providing resident-centered care for Veterans of all ages. Using an interdisciplinary team approach, we provide a dynamic array of programs, activities, and services in a safe homelike environment that is conducive to healing. CLC services include short-stay and long-stay continuing care, skilled nursing care, dementia memory care, geriatric evaluation and management services, wound care, CARF accredited acute rehabilitation, restorative care, and hospice and palliative care. The mission of VA CLCs is to restore the Veteran to the highest practicable level of well-being, maximum function and independence, prevent decline in health, and provide comfort at the end of life. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) performs duties under the general supervision & of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Physician (MD/DO). The duties of the LPN in the CLC include, but are not limited to: Provides age-specific practical nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with physical, mental, behavioral, or psychosocial needs, according to assignment and training. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and provides input into the Nursing Care Plan and/or the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care. Assists residents with activities of daily living such as bathing, showering, shaving, feeding, oral hygiene, turning, positioning, ambulating, etc. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, activities of daily living, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes. Ensures patient's privacy and provides for a safe, clean and therapeutic environment. Performs enterostomal care, perineal care, administers enemas, and colostomy irrigations. Provides bowel/bladder training, applies external urinary devices, and performs bladder catheterization. Provides oral, nasopharyngeal and tracheal suctioning, tracheostomy care, wound care, and administers oxygen. Uses patient lifting devices, pressure relief mattresses, electronic scales, feeding pumps, and IV pumps without any personal limitations or physical restrictions. Provides post-mortem care per Nursing procedure. Performs diagnostic procedures such as TPR, B/P, pain screen, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, I&O, heights, weights, finger-sticks, breathalyzer, and EKGs. Prepares and administers oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous (IV) medications as permitted by Medical Center policies and procedures. Observes and documents the patient's response to medication administered and reports any changes in the patient's condition to the RN or MD/DO. Initiates IV therapy and monitors for prescribed rate, patency, infiltration and/or extravasation upon completion of competency verification. Discontinues IV infusion when directed by the RN or MD/DO. Changes peripheral IV, saline lock dressings, and IV solution administration sets following established protocols. Adds maintenance IV fluids (as approved) via mini bags prepared by the pharmacy through an existing peripheral line/saline lock. Makes frequent rounds on patients, noting environment, changes in patient's behavior and/or physical condition. Promotes patient independence and self-reliance by encouraging participation in decision-making, care plans, and self-care activities. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Various tours/shifts based on patient care needs; to be discussed during the interview. Telework: Not Eligible Financial Disclosure Report: NOT Required EDRP Authorized: Contact Mr Onnie Green , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Recruitment Incentives: May be eligible for highly qualified candidates

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements a. Citizenship: Citizen of the United States b. 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. 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. d. 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 (above). GS-4: Must meet ALL basic requirements at the GS-3 grade level and one of the following:(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or(b) 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(c) 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: Must meet all requirements at the GS-4 grade level AND the following:(a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.(b) 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 (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.(c) 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.(d) 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.(e) 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.(f) 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: Must meet all requirements at the GS-5 grade level AND the following: (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-5 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: This position has a positive education or training requirement. An unofficial copy of college transcripts showing completion of the required degree or program is required and must include the name of the school, your name, date conferred or completed, and degree or certificate type.

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 Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 US
• Name: Elise Csajko
• Phone: 631-774-4216
• Email: [email protected]