The Grade 7 LPN/LVN work is of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Individuals in these positions are to be a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgements and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grades.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: 1. General duties may include: Assist with triage as appropriate Assist with exams/procedures Complete pertinent clinical reminders Assist with medication reconciliation Assist with post discharge calls as directed Track and administer required immunizations Assist PACT in sorting secure telephone calls and resolves call as appropriate Identify additional services needed by Veteran/Family/Care Giver Assist provider in non-formulary process Participate in daily huddles New patient orientation Assist with patient education/reinforce plan of care Keep exam rooms stocked, monitor sharps containers and outdated supplies in exam rooms. 2. Obtains and records objective and subjective data relevant to a historical biopsychosocial profile (e.g., temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, I & O).3. Refers patients to appropriate resources (dietary, social work, OIF/OEF, smoking cessations, etc.) after screening/reminders completed. Participates in meeting the needs of patient and family psychosocial needs and contributes to the development of the plan of care. Identifies and reports any patient problems based on his/her objective observations. Collaborates with the RN so the RN can in development and make modification of nursing care. Contributes to overall interdisciplinary care plans. Administers treatments and caries out orders prescribed and written by the provider as they relate to providing nursing care to the patient(s). Demonstrates ability to perform increasingly complex treatments and procedures. Sets up and assists in operation of special equipment (i.e., Stryker frame, gastric suction, wound vac, life devices, bladder scan). Assists in orienting staff in the use of this equipment. Assists in the coordination of patient care activities with other departments/services. Provides input for discharge planning. Recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance and effectively intervenes as directed or per protocol. Collaborates with the RN in development and modification of nursing care. Contributes to overall interdisciplinary care plans. 4. Initiates and implements measures to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Provides for patient privacy. Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures including preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination and monitoring the patient's condition before, during and after procedures. Performs treatments and carries out orders prescribed and written by the provider as they relate to the practice of nursing: sterile/non-sterile dressings, specimen collection, ear irrigations, O2, catheterizations. Demonstrates ability to perform complex treatments and procedures. Facilitates patient side of tele presenting which may include rooming the patient, completing the intake note and closing encounters, utilization of remote access equipment, completion of required documentation for providers as well as assembling and providing handout material. Completes mandatory educational requirements (TMS as well as competencies) as set forth by VHA and the office of Telehealth. 5. Consistently demonstrates professional and responsible behavior (i.e. punctuality, neat appearance, code of conduct is followed). Performs computer functions satisfactorily as related to the position. Facilitates Video Teleconference (VTC) education activity for individual and group appointments. Utilizes special equipment such as Doppler units, pulse oximetry, centrifuge, label accessioner, ear irrigation system needed to perform job duties including computer and printer. Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to phlebotomy and specimen handling. 6. Documents patient care in the medical record according to Patient Care Management guidelines. Documentation is comprehensive and reflects current patient status. Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing care and reports to the RN. Assists new staff in orientation to patient care, as it applies to own nursing unit, through shared knowledge of clinical expertise. Consistently demonstrates professional and responsible behavior (i.e. punctuality, neat appearance, code of conduct is followed). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Available on an as needed (Ad-hoc) basis as determined by the supervisor Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91542A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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: 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 a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires the nurse to read printed material and distinguish colors, such as reading doctor's orders and visualizing the hue of a patient's skin, wounds, etc., and conduct visual inspections during patient assessment, including the ability to accurately perceive depth so as to move around workspace safely and to appropriately make contact with Veterans. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required, exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 15 pounds of force to frequently move objects. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The nurse may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The nurse may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The nurse must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. This includes but is not limited to the ability to work independently, ability to recognize situations beyond function/knowledge/training and request appropriate assistance. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The nurse who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.

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 Aleda E Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1500 Weiss Street Saginaw, MI 48602 US
• Name: Madeleen Brewer
• Phone: 989-497-2500 X13083
• Email: [email protected]