This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) performs a variety of support duties that facilitates the work of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nursing assistants and other members of the medical facility who provide Veteran care. Assists with Veterans who commonly present with acute episodes of psychotic/behavioral issues associated with the DSM-V. Some of the patients may present with a concomitant substance use intoxication that may need detoxification while being treated for their presenting psychiatric disorder. The incumbent has the ability to work independently including setting priorities and coordinating work. Incumbent must be capable of exercising sound judgment in assigning a priority order to those requests which best serves the interest of the Veteran and the unit. The LPN must be flexible enough to adjust work plans to include the demands received in the form of an administrative problem to which they usually independently applies a solution. The employee decides what needs to be done by choosing from various options that require recognition of and differences among a few easily recognizable alternatives. Processes Veterans for admissions, transfer, or discharge following established written nursing program guidelines. Work affects the efficiency, accuracy, and acceptability of further processes or services including Veteran care. Work consists of personal nursing care duties, treatments, diagnostic support, recording, Veteran teaching and rehabilitation. Recurring duties are carried out independently and employee is able to vary basic procedures to meet the individual needs and capabilities of the Veteran. Work consists of several related processes such as compiling, recording, reviewing, selecting and interpreting medical data and information incidental to a variety of Veteran care and treatment activities. The purpose of the work is to provide basic nursing care and documentation which fosters the accomplishment of interdisciplinary goals identified on the interdisciplinary plan of care. Veteran care performed is of such a quality that it contributes to the total plan of care for the Veteran and aids in the completion of further ward routines. The scope of the Nursing Service involves an understanding of the Veteran treatment plan and history, as well as standards established by the nursing care team. Applies knowledge of human behavior, motivations and reactions to situations in the provision of nursing care for an aging population. Provides nursing care by observing, identifying and responding to the physical, emotional, and social needs of specific Veterans. These factors are considered in modifying nursing care plans to promote the well-being of the Veteran. f. Processes Veterans for admissions, transfer, or discharge following established written nursing program guidelines. Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to provide nursing care to Veterans with a variety of physical problems in a timely manner as assigned by the Registered Nurse following nursing program guidelines. Demonstrates the knowledge, skill and ability to recognize emergency situations and initiates appropriate measures. Properly performs basic cardiac life support (BCLS). Utilizes techniques that insure safe, accurate administration of medications and treatments following nursing program guidelines. Performs and documents Veteran education appropriate to the scope of training and experience. Able to meet unit specific competencies identified in competency checklist. Work Schedule: Midnight to 8am with rotating days off and weekends. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F1830 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact EDRP Coordinator at [email protected] for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. 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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS-3 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-4 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; OR 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-5 Completion of at least one 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. 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 approval 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. GS-6 Completion of at least one 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. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: 1 to 2 years of Mental Health 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 GS6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS3 to GS6. Physical Requirements: Work involves varying periods of sitting, standing and walking. Working with Veterans/Veterans requires bending, stooping, teaching, lifting, balancing, kneeling, pushing, i.e., wheelchairs, geri-chairs, litters and similar activities. Many emotional demands are made upon an employee of a psychiatric hospital. The employee will be required to maintain composure and a calm demeanor at all times.

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 Northampton VA Medical Center 421 North Main Street Leeds, MA 01053 US
• Name: Marek Wojenski
• Phone: (203) 932-5711 X14553
• Email: [email protected]