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 Telehealth Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), GS-7 is a member of the healthcare team, who performs a variety of nursing skills specific to the clinical needs of patients on the assigned work unit and under supervision of Facility Telehealth Coordinator (FTC)/Chief of Telehealth Service. The GS- 7 grade level is for select complex LPN positions, as established. by each health care facility. Administers medication accurately and promptly under the general supervision of FTC/Chief of Telehealth Service. Demonstrates understanding of the effects and/or reactions caused by medications, treatments, and procedures. Records and reports these observations. Performs personal care, diagnostic support duties and treatments according to procedure under the direction of the professional nurse in a timely manner. Responds to patient's nursing needs, including physical comfort, and emotional needs and recognizing deviations from the normal. Will involve patients and, family to participate in the provision of care throughout the continuum. Participates and reinforces resources and referrals. Completes assignments in a timely manner with constructive utilization of remaining time. Serves as a member of the interdisciplinary team, interacting with patients, families, professionals and supportive personnel. Organizes patient care assignments to meet the needs of the patients. Participates in planning nursing care, recognizing changing needs and prioritizing assignments. Participation in the coordination of care and recommends resources and referrals. A position at this grade level requires broader knowledge and skills to include multitasking, planning, resolving problems, and expediting work flow because supervision is more general: this employee is expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development, implementation, and modification of treatment plans. Clearly demonstrates ability to comprehend, interpret, and function within the individual's Professional Practice. Must successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision. Participates in ongoing activities/education/certification opportunities demonstrating personal accountability for owning one's practice. Demonstrates the ability to plan and organize assignments independently. The Telehealth LPN independently provides day to day operations under general supervision to ensure Telehealth services are delivered seamlessly to the Veteran while providing a wide range of clinical and technical services to the Veteran that demonstrates complex technical judgment. The complexity of duties includes serving as the site imager for Store and Forward Telehealth (SFT) applications, facilitator for real time Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT), VA Video Connect, Video on Demand, and other duties as assigned. The Telehealth LPN is the video teleconferencing system expert at his/her location, assisting OI&T with v-Tel Incumbent performs Telehealth imaging, including Teleretinal screening, TeleDermatology, and other Telehealth programming as technology becomes available, as identified and referred by the primary care provider, other provider, and the imager or as new programs are formed. Guided by local policy/standing orders, the imager can initiate consultations for patients on behalf of the Primary Care provider, who retains responsibility for patient care. The Telehealth LPN will provide patient education regarding the imaging process. Demonstrates the ability to guide and direct other LPN and other staff in the provision of care for select group of patients with remote supervision by the registered nurse. Identifies subtle changes in patient condition, both physical and emotional. Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivation and reactions to situations. Reports these in a timely manner and initiates appropriate action. Participates in Health Care Team meetings. Instructs patients and family members on principles of health, self-care and protocols for treatments and /or medications. Utilizes teaching materials to promote self- reliance and independence including methods to prevent complications and facilitate recovery. Reinforces instruction provided by other health care professionals. The Telehealth LPN conducts quality control procedures on equipment and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports and workload reporting. The Telehealth LPN is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the clinical video conferencing, training, HT, SFT, and Telehealth clinics. Completes required patient care documentation and records significant observations and actions utilizing the nursing process in a clear and concise manner. Work Schedule: 07:30 am -4:00 pm Telework: Not Eligible Financial Disclosure Report: NOT Required EDRP Authorized: Contact Mr Onnie Green , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Requirements

Qualifications

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:] 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 withthe provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. 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). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations:GS-7. The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. NOTE: Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions APRIL 10, 2003 VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 II-G13-5 are under the supervision of an RN and/or MD/DO, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision), as well as a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of patients. (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. (b) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans. (c) Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. (d) Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels. (e) Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. (f) Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Handbook 5019, Part II, Paragraph 3, II-1, 1(a), A pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time individuals appointed under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 73, for Title 38 positions.

Education

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