The LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center is seeking a Full-Time Licensed Practical Nurse at the Toledo (OH) VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) within the Ambulatory Care Service.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Carrying out assigned patient care based on the patents' 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. Making astute observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeking assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. Participating in prioritizing and as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. Performing assigned nursing care responsibilities requiring the use of advance equipment, technology, or knowledge in procedures performed in the Sub-Specialty Clinics including but not limited to: Documenting obtained Vital Signs including pulse, blood pressure, respirations, temperature, pain level. Completing clinical reminders for preventive health screening including mental health screening. Taking appropriate actions for positive reminders. Perform diabetic foot screening including visual screening, pulses, and sensation. Taking pulses: apical, carotid, pedal. Recording height and weight. Administering influenza, pneumococcal and tetanus vaccinations per protocol. Refers patients to appropriate resources including social work, dietitian, speech pathology, SAC, smoking cessation, and physical and occupational therapy after screening. Obtaining neurological vital signs. Performing EKG, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, post void residual. Setting up and administering of Oxygen therapy. Adhering to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication. Procuring sterile and non-sterile specimen collection. Applying elastic bandage, hose, 4-layer compression application, and hot and cold non-sterile compresses. Performing sterile dressings and irrigations. Completing encounter forms. Responding to and completing view alerts. Recognizing and successfully caring for patients of different ages, including young adult, middle aged adults, and older adults, demonstrating understanding of how age affects the health care needs of patients. Participating with minor surgery procedures including positioning patient and monitoring patient during the procedure. Correctly labeling and delivering biopsy specimens to pathology. Participating in notifying patients of test results. Reviewing consults for designated clinics utilizing established protocols developed by the Clinical Service Chief. Demonstrating knowledge and skill necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties including Phototherapy. Proactively assisting the RN or medical provider in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatment according to established policies and procedures. Providing patient and family education regarding the patient's condition, procedures, and preventive health care; reinforcing health teaching and takes an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Maintaining precise adherence to basic principles of asepsis, safety, and universal precautions to provide a safe environment for patients, families, and employees. Setting up, using, reprocessing, and maintaining all unit/department-specific equipment that is designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients. Participating in training in the set-up, use, reprocessing, and maintenance of their clinic/department-specific equipment leading to the initial competency and validation of ongoing competency at least annually. Using equipment appropriately and demonstrating and/or verbalizing the proper use, reprocessing, and maintenance. Utilizing special equipment such as IV infusion pumps, Doppler units, pulse oximetry, bladder scanner, EKG, point of care testing and other instruments needed to perform job duties including computer terminal and printer. Providing one to one nursing care to assigned outpatients whose care requires close observation during procedures. Following policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety, and security measures. Interpreting Medical Center Regulations and policies to other staff, patients, relatives, and visitors. Assisting the medical provider and/or nurse with therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, including biopsies and minor dermatology or plastic surgeries. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement Title: Licensed Practical Nurse - Ambulatory Care - Specialty Clinics Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be available for well-qualified external applicants. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States 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. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements listed above. 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: 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; 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 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. 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-6: 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. 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. 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 instruments. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: The position may require prolonged standing and/or sitting for greater than 4 hours. This position may require lifting at most 45 pounds; the individual should not lift more and should arrange for assistance from the correct service line and/or point of contact. The position may require repetitive stooping, bending, kneeling, squatting, carrying items from one area to another, and/or transferring of patients to or from elevated surfaces.

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 Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Ryan Smith
• Phone: 734-845-3010
• Email: [email protected]