Assignment involves working independently, providing direct care, assessing Veterans' health needs, and assisting provider with complex procedures. Decisions regarding Veteran's needs are based on the incumbent's knowledge of nursing. Close concentration is required to recognize and respond to deviations from normal conditions so that care may be given immediately.

Duties

Observe Veteran (s) upon arrival, prioritize urgency of need based on condition and information obtained from Veteran/significant other, thoroughly document care and the Veteran's response, and inform registered Nurse (RN) or provider of changes in the Veteran's condition. Uses judgement in selecting and initiating appropriate treatment to respond to identified Veteran needs after confirmation with the RN or provider. Utilizes observational skills and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and behavioral dynamics to recognize by physical appearance and symptoms the Veteran who requires immediate referral to the RN or provider. Independently initiates emergency action in life threatening situations, such as cardiac and/or respiratory arrest, massive bleeding, shock, or psychiatric emergencies. Provides care instructions to the Veteran and family as indicated. Communicates with other members of the health care team to facilitate a plan of care. Demonstrates ability to prioritize and plan work based on constantly changing care needs. Implements the plan of care established for each Veteran through use of the database, nursing and provider orders, and nursing policies, procedures, and standards. Prepares and administers approved medications, observing, recording, and reporting unusual reaction(s). Participates in narcotic validation with a registered Nurse (RN). Performs complex procedures that include inserting catheters, changing gastrostomy tubes in established stomas, changing sterile dressings, performs EKGs, and performing finger sticks for blood glucose monitoring. Evaluates the veteran's response to treatment/ medication and initiates change in nursing care based on the evaluation and validation with the RN/provider. Evaluates disruptive behavior and the veteran's response to initial treatment. Initiates the management of hostile, aggressive or bizarre behavior exhibited by Veteran(s), alerting appropriate responses immediately. Reports abnormal reactions or ineffectiveness of treatments to the appropriate health care team member. Accurately reports and records observations of the Veteran's physical and psychosocial status and the response to care on the medical record in compliance with established policy. Receives inquiries regarding the Veteran's condition, need for treatment, medication, procedures, appointments, eligibility, etc., and provides requested information or makes appropriate referral; input/retrieves appropriate data (lab, x-rays, etc.) via computer. Participates in quality improvement processes for the Specialty Clinic. Performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care including, but not limited to: Medication administration Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated Check expiration dates of meds and supplies Delegated procedures and treatments Documentation Assists with minor procedures and exams, including, obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning Veteran, ensuring comfort and privacy. Monitors Veteran before, during and following procedure/exam. Collects urine samples. Prepares lab specimens for transport (i.e., urine, PAP smears). Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication. Demonstrates understanding of age and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent Veteran care situations, seeks assistance, and initiates appropriate emergency interventions. Based on the Veteran's goals, provides Veteran and family health education, to include self-management, prevention, and wellness. Interacts and communicates appropriately with Veterans and family members. Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized for a Well-Qualified Applicant Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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. English Language Proficiency: Written and Spoken Physical Standards: All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to employment may be required. 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. 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. 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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. GS-5 Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. 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. Please refer to the assessment questionnaire for complete qualification standards expected at the GS- 03, 04, 05 and 06 level References: VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 10, 2003.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to 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 Carl Vinson VA Medical Center 1826 Veterans Boulevard Dublin, GA 31021 US
• Name: Stanley Peters
• Email: [email protected]