Practical Nurse

Summary

This Practical Nurse position is located within the VHA Community Based Clinics at the Bangor, ME clinic location within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4 Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS/3 functions as a member of the nursing care team by demonstrating practical knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort in carrying out practical nursing care assignments. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS/4/5 functions as a member of the nursing care team by demonstrating advancing nursing knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort in carrying out practical nursing care assignments. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS/6 has the knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction in carrying out the most complex nursing care assignments for selected patients requiring skilled nursing care on a regular/recurring basis. Major duties include but are not limited to: Ability to assist with determining the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on the patient's condition and use judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines. The knowledge to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations, environmental and safety needs. Obtains patients' health care delivery modality preferences. In collaboration with the provider and/or veteran, chooses the most appropriate approach based on nature of healthcare need. Conducts intake using VVC for virtual provider appointments. Establishes constructive (therapeutic) relationships with individual patients and family members/caregivers to elicit feelings and attitudes, as well as, promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. Incumbent possesses knowledge of proper handling and pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. The LPN appropriately performs and documents all or part of the following duties in ambulatory care settings (including Primary Care & Specialty Clinics) depending upon the scope and complexity of the practice and patient care need. Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, participating in time-outs, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Monitors patient during the procedure. Assumes other duties and functions of a similar nature that would enhance patient care (i.e. cross coverage in the Lab), within the scope of licensure, including all functions and responsibilities performed at the Licensed Practical Nurse GS-3, GS-4, and GS-5 level. Work Schedule: 40 Hours, Monday- Friday, Available Tours: 7:00a - 3:30p, 7:30a- 4:00p, 8:00a- 4:30p (to be determined at time of selection; schedule may be adjusted to support clinic needs). Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eli…

Qualifications

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. Exceptions include: See Additional Information Section. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, 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-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: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (d) 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: (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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 i…

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/.