The Licensed Practical Nurse will be assigned to the Domiciliary Care (Dom). The LPN's primary purpose is to perform assigned duties that promotes quality health care. Using multidisciplinary approach, collaborates with the mental health domiciliary staff and other disciplines/services to complete duties to provide care to a complex patient population. The Dom staff provides specialized care to residents admitted/transferred to the Vocational Recovery Center.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Provides direct nursing care to the residents of domiciliary. Document care provided, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms observing changes in the patient's condition (e.g., behavior shifts, mood changes, skin coloring, appetite, etc.) Assures receipt of adequate nutritional intake either through observation, feeding or properly positioning and checking placement of feeding tube for the patient. Performs nursing care procedures (e.g., sterile techniques, blood glucose monitoring, catheterization, suctioning, limited wound care, enemas, colostomy care, tube feeding, tracheostomy care, deep breathing and coughing, and specimen collection) according to hospital policy and guidelines. Recognizes the patient's autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment. Administer nursing care to patients, such as baths or showers, treatments. Participates in structured activities (e.g., groups, orientation, and diversional activities), based on patient care needs. Participates in the interdisciplinary treatment team meeting process, including sharing observations and patient's responses to interventions. Accepts assignments willingly, volunteers to help others, and works cooperatively and effectively with co-workers and supervisors displaying a helpful, positive attitude. Actively seeks out shared governance and educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing knowledge with others to improve and advance nursing practice. Provides basic psychiatric nursing care procedures of listening, reassuring, motivating, encouraging, observing, and communicating. Encourages and assists patients in resocialization activities on or off the unit. Accesses resources required to complete the interdisciplinary plan of care, e.g., supplies, equipment. Uses sound judgment in planning and intervening according to the functional statement/performance standards. Provides timely input into planning, implementing, and evaluating the plan of care. In collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN), modifies the client's plan of care, if indicated. Maintains sensitivity in adhering to age-specific guidelines in the provision of nursing care. Limited driving for the DCHV and SUDS program. Administers and documents medications, following policies and procedures with no more than 2 medication errors. Documents client education of medication. Maintains a safe, clean, clutter-free environment for patients, visitors, and co- worker. Corrects and reports safety hazards promptly to the RN. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care, including: procedures for cleaning, transporting and storing reusable medical equipment (RME); and appropriate use of safe patient handling equipment. Responds appropriately to fire and disaster drills. Verbalizes and demonstrates appropriate use of safety materials and apparel (i.e. SDS, personal protective equipment). Promptly reports accidents, injuries, disease or illness related to employment to the Registered Nurse and completes the necessary documentation using the electronic reporting system. Uses administrative channels to communicate client and/or co-worker issues. Demonstrates supportive, compassionate, and respectful communication and promotes client rights. Actively solicits input from clients/families. Meets customer service standards, e.g. timeliness, courtesy. Seeks additional opportunities to tailor environment to the specific needs of clients. Participates in data collection when assigned. Develops innovation, or participates in project that adds value to customers. Assists with implementation of changes in processes to improve patient care. Verbalizes understanding of unit based, and service performance improvement activities. Conducts or coordinates (1) preplanned in-service (minimum 15 minutes, 3 staff in attendance). Participates in unit-based shared governance activities to improve the practice environment. Support Integrated Ethics by using the ethics consultation service to address ethical concerns encountered on the job and contacting the Integrated Ethics Program Officer or Integrated Ethics Council when systems-level ethics quality gaps are recognized. Complete required education provided through Integrated Ethics. Consider participating in the Integrated Ethics staff survey. Contribute to ethical environment and culture by striving to "do the right things for the right reasons" and by encouraging others to do the same. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Variable, depends upon the needs of the Agency. Be advised, tours will vary based on the needs of the Facility. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70729F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in [both] spoken and written English. 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: 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-03: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-04: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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; Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. GS-05: 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. 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. 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 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 4 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. Preferred Experience: Mental Health Experience 2 years LPN experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is Grade 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 6.

Education

Physical Requirements: -

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. 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. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual, capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs.



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 James A Haley Veterans Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Tampa, FL 33612 US
• Name: Jason Nelson
• Phone: 737-786-5730
• Email: [email protected]