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The primary purpose of this position is to perform a very wide range of patient personal care, support diagnostic services, and chart activities on a regular and continual basis on a surgical, medical, rehabilitation, psychiatric, or long-term care ward or clinic. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to promote a sense of worth and dignity within each individual. INCENTIVE - AUTHORIZED NOTE: This job announcement has been extended till 8/25/2022 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. English Language Proficiency: Written and Spoken Physical Standards: All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to employment may be required. 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. 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. 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Preferred Experience: New graduates welcome to apply! 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-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 10, 2003. 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. ["The Nursing Home LPN is responsible for the evidence-based care of a group of patients as follows: Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures, which include preparing the Veteran and monitoring the Veteran's condition. Assists with discharge planning of Veterans to more appropriate level of care. Coordinates the transfer of Veterans to more appropriate levels of care dependent on acuity needs. Promotes Veteran participation in the therapeutic community by fostering self-reliance and independence. Promotes the values of cultural transformation and Veteran-centered care to nursing staff in the community living center (CLC). Actively seeks Veteran choice in care plan participation and goal development. Administers prescribed medications and performs more complex treatments in accordance with hospital policy and procedure and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Verifies physician orders in compliance with hospital policies and procedures and SOPs. Seeks clarification, as needed, for orders with medical providers, pharmacy, or other departments, as applicable. Identifies, initiates, and acts as a leader in the area of maintaining and/or improving current functional status through consideration of therapy programs such as Nursing Restorative Therapy, Resistance Therapy, Kinesiotherapy. Ensures that Veterans recreational needs are met. Performs nursing care to the unit's Veterans including all aspects of personal care and grooming. Monitors bladder and bowel functioning, tracking of I&O and hydration and initiates intervention when it is indicated. Performs rehabilitative and restorative nursing care, as applicable. Supports and enhances Veteran self-determination. Advocates for the Veteran in regards to decisions made about the types of treatment provided during the end-stage disease process and at the end-of-life. Serves as a resource for Veterans and staff in addressing ethical issues that arise on the unit. Treats the Veteran with dignity and respect. Consistently follows policies, SOPS, and procedures applicable to reusable medical equipment (RME) and infection control. Monitors staff compliance with RME procedures/policies. Reports required information for hand-off communication to the oncoming shift and at other times to applicable staff and departments. Completes the necessary documentation for these duties. Educates Veterans on their care needs. Communicates with families and significant others, as appropriate. Monitoring Veterans for risk behaviors, including but not limited to: (1) Elopement (2) Wandering (3) Suicide (4) Fall (5) Behavior (6) Pressure ulcer Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for Veterans and communicates appropriately with family members. This includes the ability to effectively address Veterans with various medical and psychiatric conditions. Provides appropriate communication that facilitates the grieving process. Uses proper body mechanics and safe lifting equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) that promote a safe workplace. Monitors staff compliance with safety policies. Actively seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, and provides leadership in assisting other staff to improve and advance their nursing practice. Completes mandatory education requirements. Additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Day: 5:45am - 2:15pm (to include weekend and holiday rotations) Evening: 2:00pm - 10:00pm (to include weekend and holiday rotations) Telework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]