The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) serves at the point of care for Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and its Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Under supervision from a higher grade LPN, registered nurse (RN), or Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP), the LPN provides quality nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran population of varying complexity in a variety of settings. Salary Ranges: GS-6: $63,219-82,187

Duties

The PACT/Specialty LPN is accountable for adhering to established policies, procedures, standards of care and standards of practice and, for maintaining competencies consistence with role and responsibilities. The incumbent documents care in the medical record and reports observations and findings to the registered nurse and if appropriate the clinical provider. The PACT/Specialty LPN performs complex age specific nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with a variety of physical, mental, behavioral and/or psychological needs and is limited to situations demanding a degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills, according to assignment and training. The PACT/Specialty LPN engages in nursing care which requires the knowledge and skills of an individual qualified as a licensed practical nurse. The incumbent is expected to develop administrative, clinical and technical skills as assigned to support patient needs. In some cases, the incumbent may be asked to cover a location that is outside the assigned primary work station. The PACT/Specialty LPN applies the nursing process to systems or processes at the unit/team/work/group level to improve care. The LPN demonstrates leadership by involving others in improving care and provides age appropriate care in a culturally and ethnically sensitive manner. S/he administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. The goals of the LPN at this level are to gain experience in executing position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creativity in performing a variety of duties in the outpatient setting. The PACT/Specialty LPN will care for patients with acute to chronic conditions. Work Schedule:7:30am-4:00 pm with some flexibility in tour Telework: Not available Location : Joliet CBOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Recent outpatient nursing experience, recent specialty nursing care experience TEMPORARY -18 MONTHS

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. Current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a state, territory or commonwealth of US Graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing. 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 jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Current BLS certification (American Heart Association. 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-6: Must have completed at least (1) one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and fully meets all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN and demonstrates the following:·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 or physician 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 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. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 US
• Name: Marisol Barajas
• Phone: 708-202-8387
• Email: [email protected]