The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is located at The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI in The Specialty Clinics. LPNs are held accountable for delivering direct patient care from adult through geriatric Veterans for both acute and chronic diseases in an outpatient setting. Incumbent implements basic and advanced LPN procedures as defined by policies and procedures. 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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Certification. Maintains current BLS certification. 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. ~ OR ~ 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/L VN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. ~ OR ~ Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C.] 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: 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 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS 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 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS Completion of 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/L VNs 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 with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel 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 LEVEL GRADE REQUIREMENTS 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/L VN. 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 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/L VN 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 LPN s/L VN s or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06 ["VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: https://youtube.com/embed/Ae85IP1Oiz4Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Licensed Practical Nurse - vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-LPN-Career-Flyer.pdf The Specialty Care Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) GS-6 functions as a member of the health care team by demonstrating an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills necessary for self-direction in carrying out complex practical nursing care assignments within the Primary and Specialty Clinics for a Veteran population with a variety of health care needs. The LPNs successfully and consistently demonstrate independent technical judgment as well as comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of complex practices and procedures. Incumbent demonstrates knowledge, experience, skill, and self-motivation to carry out complex patient assignments, which include prioritization and coordination of clinical activities with minimal supervision. Major Duties: Provides patient care and assistance for complex, specialized patients including such measures as personal hygiene, positioning, elimination, and socialization in the completion of all direct patient care in the clinic setting. Initiates and collects patient data including MC reminders, vital signs, weights, oximetry, accuchecks, SLUMS and the collection of specimens. Initiates and performs specialized nonstandard and complex procedures including urinary bladder scanning, oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, ostomy care, EKG, and spirometry. Initiates procedure preparation, adapting them to the patient's physical and emotional needs before, during and after procedures, observing and managing therapeutic or possible complications resulting from the procedure. Knowledgeably initiates and performs nursing measures to prevent complications by recognizing deviations and/or changes in patient conditions. Prepares, administers and documents medications and immunizations as directed without error. Provides safe administration of medications in accordance with Medical Center's and Nursing Service policy and monitors side effects. Continues to keep updated on new medications. Utilizes the Wisconsin Immunization Registry and JL V to obtain accurate immunization records and record VA administered immunizations for Dual Care Veterans. Prioritizes effectively and manages time productively in the clinical setting. Knowledgeably follows and utilizes the nurse protocols entering consults and orders when applicable. Explains to the patient and family treatment measures, tests and procedure preparations, and proper administration of medications. Documents in the patient's medical record observations of patient's physical and emotional status as well as responses to procedures performed and treatments rendered. Documents all data collected and nursing care provided. Reports all relevant patient information to clinic RN or provider. Assists with rehabilitative aspects of patient care. Reinforcement of patient teaching. Operates all specialized equipment in a safe manner, identifies and reports any potential safety hazards. Removes unsafe equipment from use. Initiates protective and safety measures, including recognition of patients exhibiting signs of confusion, sedation, and/or behaviors which are potentially dangerous to self and others. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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