The Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) located at Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) IN Montgomery, AL. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) completes nursing intakes and provides nursing care to adult and geriatric patients within the Primary Care setting. Provides clinical support with PACT team to ensure an efficient workflow and develop comprehensive health care plans and management.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Contributes to the provisions of optimum nursing care in accordance with the overall plan of Nursing Service, under the supervision of the professional nurse, by carrying out the following activities: Provides Person-Centered nursing care to Veterans with a variety of medical, physical, emotional and/or behavioral problems. Work as a core team member for a panel of patients and is responsible for plan of action in carrying out patient care assignments. Uses judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines. Reports and records current observations such as patients' physical condition, emotional response and results of procedures; observe skin conditions, variation in vital signs, personal habits of patients, and listen for clues to patients' reaction to illness and treatment. Assist RN in completion of assessments and participates in collecting relevant information to assist the (MD/PA/CRNP/RN) in completion of a comprehensive suicide risk assessment. Records all pertinent occurrences, using SOAPIE Format for documentation of reports and findings, transcribes orders and prepares emergency lab, EKG and X-ray request; via CPRS/DHCP/GUI. Recognizes the need for and initiates emergency measures in life threatening situations. Assists in cardiac monitoring/resuscitation procedures during cardiac/respiratory arrests and with the choking victim. Promotes through education, verbal prompting and coaching personal hygiene, to include oral and foot care, and is capable performing following nursing procedures; lifting, turning and positioning patients, utilizing proper body mechanics and lifting devices, applying dressing and treatment to wounds, administering and recording responses to special procedures when applicable and conducts educational groups. Assists physician, nurse practitioner or registered nurse with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, e.g., by setting up tray of instruments to be used in examination. LPN is knowledgeable and follows policies/procedures of standard/universal precautions. Maintains and renders safe use by proper disinfection and sterilization practices patient care equipment and adheres to general principles of equipment and supply transport. Responds to patient call lights/pull cords in a timely and courteous manner. Takes and records patient's blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, collects specimens and assist in completion of specific clinical practice and preventive guidelines as defined by VHA Office of Quality and Performance. After successful completion of the medication class and after demonstration of competence, may administer oral, topical, subcutaneous/intramuscular and intradermal medications, may calculate medication dosages, observes the effectiveness and documents the observations in the patients' record. Administers PRN medications and narcotics to patients according to physician/NP/PA's orders and documents effectiveness in the patients' record. Maintains current BCLS Certification and initiates CPR and nasopharyngeal suction as necessary in critical emergencies until the RN/MD/NP/PA arrives. Demonstrates competence in the use of Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) device. Demonstrates self-direction in the application of knowledge of fire, emergency, infection control, and disaster regulations/practices and procedures; maintains standards of cleanliness and safety in patient environment and exercises proper use and maintenance of equipment. Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality to include patient records/information. Participates in Mandatory Training and is self -directed in ensuring required continuing education hours for re-licensure and mandatory 40 hours continuing education for ongoing staff development annually. Works long periods of time with patient requiring regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, stretching and similar activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:30am - 5:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 619-940-FS, 619-941-FS, 619-960-FS & 619-007-FS 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: Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission). See "Education" section for additional requirements and exceptions. 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. 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 full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, additional criteria must be met for each grade. Human Resources will determine eligibility and qualifications and recommend the appropriate grade level to the selecting official. This determination will be made based on the information in your application. To receive full consideration at the GS-5 and -6 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) described below. GS-03. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04: 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-05. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: 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 registered nurse (RN) and/or physician (MD/DO) to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs 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. 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. 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. 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-06. Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: 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 RN or 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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Prepares/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. 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. 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. Physical Requirements: Potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Lift 45 pounds or over, carry 45 pounds or over; reaching above the shoulders, emotional stability, ability to distinguish basic and shades of color; The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

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 Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Ashley Lafi
• Phone: 708-940-8495
• Email: [email protected]