The Lead Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) assigned to the George E. Wahlen Primary Care Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) functions as a team lead under the supervision of the Clinic Nurse Manager, who will work under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) that reports to the Clinic Manager. This position will provide coverage in multiple PACT Teamlets, laboratory, and Women's Health. 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: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. 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. Grade Determinations: The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards. Experience: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must also demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans. Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. At this grade level, the LPN/L VN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. At this grade level, the LPN/L VN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. 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. (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels. Ability to assist individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions. This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision. Ability to supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO. In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level, the LPN/L VN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff. Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in developing educational materials/media. Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice. Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care. Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas. Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Individuals in these positions are, to a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13 Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing a weight of 35 pounds in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Program Directive 2010-032. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient and clinic needs. ["Complete a system of nursing tasks that are age/era appropriate for the Veteran & orders that include but are not limited to the following: Injections, giving medication & vaccines EKG's, bladder scans, catheterizations, woman's health exams, wound observations & documentation Complete a system of tasks that are specific to Primary Care Services which includes, but is not limited to: Vital signs collection, specimen collections & phlebotomy Assists with procedures, including obtaining & arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort & privacy Data collection & documentation intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing note Assists in medication reconciliation Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, & universal precautions Properly handles, reprocesses, & maintains reusable medical equipment Maintains confidentiality & privacy of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information (HIPPA) Demonstrates initiative in assisting the PACT team & other multi-disciplinary teams Makes observations & thoroughly documents care & the patient's response. Appropriately seeks assistance & guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. Demonstrates understanding of age & population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Interacts & communicates in a Veteran-centered manner with patients & family members. Demonstrates professional behavior, effective communication & interpersonal skills. Follows policy & procedures related to fire & disaster drills, safety & security measures. Assists in the orientation & competency validation of students, peers & clerical staff. Serves as an advocate in the protection of patient & family rights. Completes mandatory reviews, including motivational interviewing, in order to promote patient self management toward individualized life plan of care. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient & cost-effective manner, using evidence-based principles. Demonstrates knowledge & ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order & sequence of procedures & treatments; & to accurately recognize, report, & record relevant patient information. Recognizes & appropriately responds to breakage, malfunction, or loss of equipment, safety hazards, & supply deficiencies. Appropriately utilizes the computer & various computer packages to enter & retrieve electronic data Supports the mission of increasing & supporting virtual appointments (WC). Identifies & participates in process improvement initiatives. Participates in unit level quality improvement activities. Maintains Joint Commission standards related to patient care. Completes annual nursing mandatory reviews as well as competencies & continuous learning requirements. Utilizes correct body mechanics & assistive devices & equipment appropriately when providing patient care to avoid patient or employee injuries. Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing & wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Demonstrates safe work practices. Complies with safety rules & regulations for safe job performance & fire protection. Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations, & reactions to situations & uses this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family & other staff members. Ensures that working conditions & work practices within the worksite are such that the possibility of an on-the-­job injury is minimized. Reports any work-related injuries or illnesses at the time of occurrence, & completes appropriate documentation. Displays an attitude of caring & courtesy toward all Veterans & their families by treating them as customers, greeting them with a smile, referring to them by name, responding quickly to their needs, maintaining confidentiality, & treating them at all times with dignity & respect. Demonstrates appropriate telephone courtesy by identifying self & service or work section when answering the phone, responding to the caller in a polite & courteous manner. Initiates patient calls & patient care follow-up in accordance with facility policy. Monitors & restocks exam room medical/clerical supplies. Performs other tasks as requested by providers or supervising nursing personnel within the scope of training & abilities. Ensures all actions & interactions are within the guidelines of VHA & Center directives & policies regarding cultural diversity, prevention of sexual harassment, EEO, etc. by executing assigned duties & responsibilities in a professional, appropriate manner. Work Schedule: 8AM to 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 51120-O Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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