Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care to and assisting with care coordination of Surgical Specialty Clinics supporting services and clinics throughout the VA San Diego Healthcare System.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• United States Citizenship English Language
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• 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
• 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
• 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) 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-6 Experience: 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
• LPN must be technically proficient in initiating - performing and completing assigned duties in providing car to variable patient populations
• Possess 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
• Ability to observe - identify and respond to the patient's needs
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior - patient motivations and reactions to situations
• References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G13 - Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (up to 44 pounds)
• Moderate carrying (up to 44 pounds)
• Straight pulling and pushing
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking - kneeling and standing up to 1.5 hours
• repeated bending
• both legs required
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to 1 to 4
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• both eyes required
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• ability to distinguish shades of colors
• Hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

• The LVN/LPN assumes the following roles and responsibilities outlined the in LVN Performance Standards for Critical and Non-Critical Elements
• Nursing Practice Element: Performs direct patient care and services requiring technical and manual skills - specific to unit/service
• Executes interventions in accordance with treatment plans
• Fosters a learning environment by participation in the orientation of new employees and providing feedback
• Takes accountability for actions and mistakes - and complies with established control systems and rules
• Seeks opportunity for self-improvement and Participates in performance improvements
• Holds self and others accountable for measurable - high quality - timely and cost-effective results
• Collaborates with RN/Provider when patient requires a higher level of care not managed within the outpatient setting
• Safety/Emergency Element: Contributes to a safe - accessible - effective and functional environment of care through participation in infection control and emergency preparedness plans
• Responds to emergent patient conditions in a safe and effective manner
• i.e
• effectively recognizes life-threatening situations and takes immediate action
• Recognizes changes in patient's condition and deviations from baseline requiring emergent intervention
• Engages in personal risk management
• Written/Electronic Documentation Element: Documentation is factual - objective - accurate - consistent - timely and complete
• Documents all patient-related activity within tour of duty
• Educates patients on discharge instructions related to their disease process - treatment plan and documents
• Customer Service/Communication Element: Anticipates the needs of both internal and external customers and Veterans
• Delivers high-quality care products and services
• Practices open - accurate and timely communication
• Ensures care delivery that maintains the dignity and worth of the patient - recognizing the patient's right to shared decision-making
• Accountability Element: Holds self and others accountable for measurable - high-quality - timely and cost-effective results
• Accepts responsibility for mistakes
• Complies with established policy and procedures
• Exhibits the VA's core values of Integrity - Commitment - Advocacy - Respect and Excellence (ICARE)5
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Nurse Manager
• Professional Development Element: Continuous self-assessment to identify areas for improvement and enhancement personally and professionally
• Participates in coaching and mentoring of colleagues or new employees
• Maintains CEUs - TMS requirements
• Preferred Experience: Current experience in Surgical Specialty Care (Urology - Podiatry - Orthopedics) - Ambulatory Care Experience
• Inpatient and CLC experience helpful
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 0800 - 1630 Telework: Not Available Driving: Required Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not required