The Surgical Outpatient GS-04 LPN practices within Patient Care Services for the Montana VA Health Care System Surgical Outpatient Clinic and supports the mission and vision of Patient Care Services and the Healthcare System. The Surgical Outpatient LPN serves adult and elderly Veterans needing Specialty Care Services. Specialties supported by this LPN include orthopedics, podiatry, general surgery, urology, plastics, dermatology and GYN as needed. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth 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 Determination: 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:None beyond the basic requirements GS-4: Employees may be appointed at GS-4 if they meet any below: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or L VN; 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: Completion of at least 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 in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of] 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 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 (RN) or physician (MD/DO) 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 LPNs/L VNs 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. Preferred Experience: LPN experience greater than 1 year in surgical or specialty clinics: Gynecology, Podiatry, Urology, Orthopedics etc. References: VA Handbook 5005/71, Part II, Appendix G46 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. Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of moving about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting and repositioning and transferring patients. Incumbent may be exposed to patients who are combative, secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders and patients who require restraints. The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy and concern. Must be quick and dependable in taking emergency action in using initiative to prevent accidents. ["Demonstrates 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. Interacts and communicates appropriately to establish constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feeling 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. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes, as well as specialty concerns. Reacts to stress of self and others with self-control and appropriate behavior. Projects a positive image of the VA. Contributes to team cohesion with judicious use of leave. Interacts with hospital employees and visitors in a cooperative and professional manner. Initiates and completes appropriate reports for patient and employee incidents. Works with the RN/MD to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs in relation to acceptable standards or practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive feedback). Maintains a work environment that honors diversity. Demonstrates, adheres to, and promotes safe practices including: Use of infection control equipment (Personal Protective Equipment), infection control policies/procedures, and universal precautions. b. Use of proper body mechanics and safety equipment i.e., lifts. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss or equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action and following up to assure correction of problem. Recognizes and reports patient, employee, and/or visitor incidents per procedure/policy. Provides safe care and conserves resources effectively. Adheres to all requirements in regard to reusable medical equipment. Utilizes equipment and supplies according to manufacturer and safety policies and procedures and assists others to do so. Checks ongoing expiration dates of medications and supplies. Adheres to policies and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, and security measures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54796-O, 54797-O, 54798-O,54799-O, Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
