The GI Clinic LPN works within GI clinic to provide direct care to the patient. This position works collaboratively with designated providers/nursing staff to provide initial intake, reminders, and observe and report reason for the visit to the provider and/or RN in the clinic. In collaboration with and/or under the guidance of the RN, the LPN participates in collecting data, planning, implementation, treatment, and evaluation of the nursing care in the GI clinic. 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: 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), previously known as 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), previously known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the ACEN 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. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-7: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. Applicants must also meet the following: Technical proficiency in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Skill to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations. Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. Possesses comprehensive practical nursing skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care. Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice. Preferred Experience: Previous LPN GI experience preferred. References: VA Qualification Standards in VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13. Physical Requirements: Pulling, pushing, and reaching above shoulder. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing. H/She may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. H/She must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Applicants must possess the mental and physical ability to satisfactorily perform the duties of the proposed assignment. H/She must complete the VA annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment. ["The GS-7 LPN/LVN is responsible for goals and interventions that promote veterans in attaining maximum functional potential. This is accomplished through but not limited to modalities such as ambulation, bowel and bladder training, dressing, grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, range of motion exercises and fall prevention modalities. 1. Possesses the knowledge and skills to carry out more specialized patient care activities. This knowledge base includes the use of veteran care data to initiate active contributions to the veteran's overall health plan. Observations of veteran's present status are made and interventions implemented to improve, restore or maintain the optimal function of the veteran. 2. Has knowledge of program regulations and is able to carry out objectives of the Nursing program. In doing this, follows the guidelines to meet and maintain program requirements. 3. Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur. This plan of care is completed with general review and co-signature by the RN or MD, utilizing a broad knowledge base and expertise in order to develop and modify treatment plans to meet the veteran and the family's expectations. 4. Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the Medical Center. Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN), and or Health Care Provider (HCP). 5. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, Intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. The LPN/LVN observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's health condition, which may include prescribed medications/treatments, to promptly and accurately documenting identified changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN/HCP. 6. Takes appropriate actions based upon communications, observations, veteran care reports, provider/staff discussion. Reports changes to provider, and demonstrates the knowledge and ability to effectively intervene and recommend and implement strategies that assure optimal, safe and effective care. 7. Assists other staff in order to prioritize the overall veteran care needs and adjusts the plan of care as needed. Has astute assessment skills, which allow for observation of obvious and subtle changes in the veteran health condition. Responds diligently to the veteran changes and deteriorating condition in emergent situations, notifying appropriate personnel in a timely manner. 8. Accurately and consistently reports and records significant veteran information received from other team members and is able to analyze and implement modifications based on these reports. 9. Is adept at encouraging and communicating with challenging psychological and physical behaviors to promote optimal functioning. Uses treatment modalities and implements appropriate practices and procedures with complex patients. Utilizes skills to influence and communicate with difficult and challenging veterans and families. 10. Demonstrates the ability to work independently without the need for readily available supervision and communicates effectively with the veteran, families, caregivers, professionals and other supportive staff. 11. Demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform treatments, procedures and the use and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment appropriate to assigned duties. 12. Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative by contributing to the overall veteran care delivery, and improving satisfaction, through active participation on committees, task forces and groups. 13. Utilizes sustainable practices to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Familiarizes self with how work activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. Shall be a good steward of the environment by preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and continually improving environmental programs. 14. Supports the team in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing staff or non-medical staff to ensure safe patient care delivery. Work Schedule: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Monday thru Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92760-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.