The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) serves at the point of care for Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and its Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Under supervision from a higher grade LPN, registered nurse (RN), or Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP), the LPN provides quality nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran population of varying complexity in a variety of settings. Salary Ranges: GS 6: $63,219 - $82,187 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. Current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a state, territory or commonwealth of US Graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing. 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. 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. Grade Requirements: GS-6: Must have completed at least (1) one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and fully meets all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN and demonstrates the following: 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 or physician 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. 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. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["The LPN is accountable for adhering to established policies, procedures, standards of care and standards of practice and, for maintaining competencies consistence with role and responsibilities. The incumbent documents care in the medical record and reports observations and findings to the registered nurse and if appropriate the clinical provider. The LPN performs complex age specific nursing care for adult and geriatric patients with a variety of physical, mental, behavioral and/or psychological needs and is limited to situations demanding a degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills, according to assignment and training. The LPN engages in nursing care which requires the knowledge and skills of an individual qualified as a licensed practical nurse. The incumbent is expected to develop administrative, clinical and technical skills as assigned to support patient needs. In some cases, the incumbent may be asked to cover a location that is outside the assigned primary work station. The LPN applies the nursing process to systems or processes at the unit/team/work/group level to improve care. The LPN demonstrates leadership by involving others in improving care and provides age appropriate care in a culturally and ethnically sensitive manner. S/he administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. The goals of the LPN at this level are to gain experience in executing position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creativity in performing a variety of duties in a variety of health care settings; outpatient, inpatient, community living care, residential, acute, or sub-acute. The LPN will care for patients/ residents with acute to chronic conditions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm or 8:30am to 5:00pm. Location: Hines VA hospital- Perioperative Unit. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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.
