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*This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program.* 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. 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. 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. Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). 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: 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:(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-05:(a) Completion of at least 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 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.(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 in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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:(a) 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. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) 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. (i) 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. (j) 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, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD 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. Preferred Experience: - Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa ["The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and reports to the Clinical Manager. The LPN is responsible for observing, recording, and reporting concerns or changes in the patient's condition. The LPN may require a general review of work by the Clinical Manager or an RN for appropriateness and conformity with license, policies, and procedures. The LPN demonstrates active collaboration and communication with other members of the care team, including but not limited to: the patient, patient's family, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, Licensed Independent Providers (LIP), RN's, respiratory therapists, administrative support, and other departments within the medical facility. 1. The Ambulatory Care LPN reports directly to the Clinical Manager.\n2. Adheres to the LPN scope of practice, the Nursing Code of Ethics, and local, VISN, and National Directives.\n3. Provides basic nursing care; performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care done in their assigned clinic setting(s). These include, but are not limited to:\na. Medication administration, including injections.\nb. Obtaining and recording vital signs.\nc. Check expiration dates of medications and supplies prior to use.\nd. Perform delegated procedures.\ne. Timely & complete documentation.\n4. Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient's response. Appropriately seeks\nassistance and guidance by informing RN or LIP of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention.\n5. Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations and seeks assistance from other team\nmembers as needed to provide optimal medical care.\n6. Provides education to patient and family, based on the Veteran's goals.\n7. Demonstrates professional behavior and the ICARE values in all interactions with staff, Veterans, and visitors.\n8. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medications and vaccines in the clinic setting.\n9. Serves as an advocate and resource for the patient and family.\n10. Demonstrates understanding of age and population specific characteristics that may affect health care needs of the Veteran.\nII. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety and universal precautions, as well as adheres to GEMS guidance for pharmaceutical and other waste.\n12. Follows policies and procedures related to safety, security and fire/disaster drills, and actual events.\n13. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and or verbal patient information.\n14. Assists in the minor procedures (obtain supplies, assist with positioning of patient, ensure comfort, privacy,\nmonitor patient response to treatment, etc.)\n15. Demonstrates ability and competence regarding utilization of specialty equipment in clinic setting.\n16. Recognizes and appropriately responds to the breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards,\nand supply deficiencies promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.\n17. Analyzes own workflow to determine potential problem areas and recommends corrective action to improve\ncoordination between various departments.\n18. Incumbent possess knowledge of proper handling and pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment.\n19. Assisting in the orientation and competency validation of students and peers.\n20. Maintains a Work environment that honors diversity.\n21. Independently completes mandatory reviews/annual training as needed.\n22. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner using evidence-based principles.\n23. Promotes patient and personnel safety.\n24. Completes/participates in Readiness Rounds within the clinic(s).\n25. Assists with transporting patients to other departments.\n26. Float to assist other clinics/departments as needed, based on operational needs for Veteran care.\n27. Completes tasks or projects as assigned to promote improvement of care and clinic.\n28. Completes and maintains VA approved Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and Management of Disruptive Behavior Level 3.\n29. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or LIP. 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. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]