Practical Nurse - Outpatient Service
The purpose of this position is to serve as the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) assigned to the Altoona VA Outpatient Clinic, Outpatient Service at the James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) performs age-specific nursing care for adult and geriatric patients/residents with physical, mental, behavioral, or psychosocial needs, according to assignment and training. The LPN implements nursing orders, as per established policy and procedure which have been developed by the Registered Nurse (RN) in providing nursing care to these patients/residents. The LPN is responsible for observing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient's/resident's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic life care plan. Duties include but are not limited to:
a. Technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient/resident populations. b. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient/resident care based on the patients/residents conditions; to use sound judgment in selecting the appropriate sequence and order of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient/resident information. c. Ability to observe, identify, and respond to the patient's/resident's needs for care including medications and equipment assisted care and patient/family education. d. Recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and age-related factors in care delivery. e. Prepares and administers prescribed medications and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's/resident's conditions from prescribed medications/treatments. Promptly and accurately documents noted changes and reports any deviations from normal to the RN or MD/DO. f .Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. g. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient/resident motivations, and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients/residents, family members, and other staff. h. Established constructive relationships with individual patients/residents and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills. i. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient/resident and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. j. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients/residents, family members, and/or internal/external customers. k. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized procedures. I. Responsible for delivering patient/resident care in a variety of settings. m. Utilizes a Veteran-Centered Care approach to gain an understanding of the Veterans needs and desires. n. Member of the core team and may collaborate with services internal and external to the VA to facilitate care transition in order to effectively meet the patient's/resident's needs. The LPN performs health education and basic health coaching to promote patient-driven goal setting and patient/resident activation for self-care and self-management using TEACH and Motivational Interviewing. o. He/she advocates for patients/residents, is a team member who promotes his/her own professional growth, development and practice. The LPN maintains flexibility in order to manage additional duties as assigned. p. Responsible for demonstrating the knowledge and practice of providing Nursing Care based on the four performance standards/ competencies, nursing care; safety; interpersonal communication; and customer service. q. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and /or verbal information. r. Performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care including, but not limited to:
policy orders, orders in suspense, protocols, completion of clinical reminders, appropriate consults and alerts as indicated. s. Observes and provides care for patients/residents through the implementation of assigned interventions. These interventions are targeted toward maximizing self-care management abilities. Work Schedule:
Tour of duty is varying daylight hours, Monday through Friday; however, weekend and evening hours may occur when Veteran needs arise. Travel to the CBOCs as needed if staffing needs arise but at the time of travel the individual will be reimbursed according to local guidelines. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/01/2020 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:
Written and Spoken Physical Standards:
All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to employment may be required. 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. 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 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. GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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 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/LVNs 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/LVN. 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/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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 10, 2003. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Standards:
Applicants must possess the mental and physical ability to satisfactorily perform the duties. Physical requirements may involve lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, and bending.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
a. Technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient/resident populations. b. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient/resident care based on the patients/residents conditions; to use sound judgment in selecting the appropriate sequence and order of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient/resident information. c. Ability to observe, identify, and respond to the patient's/resident's needs for care including medications and equipment assisted care and patient/family education. d. Recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and age-related factors in care delivery. e. Prepares and administers prescribed medications and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's/resident's conditions from prescribed medications/treatments. Promptly and accurately documents noted changes and reports any deviations from normal to the RN or MD/DO. f .Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. g. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient/resident motivations, and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients/residents, family members, and other staff. h. Established constructive relationships with individual patients/residents and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills. i. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient/resident and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. j. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients/residents, family members, and/or internal/external customers. k. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized procedures. I. Responsible for delivering patient/resident care in a variety of settings. m. Utilizes a Veteran-Centered Care approach to gain an understanding of the Veterans needs and desires. n. Member of the core team and may collaborate with services internal and external to the VA to facilitate care transition in order to effectively meet the patient's/resident's needs. The LPN performs health education and basic health coaching to promote patient-driven goal setting and patient/resident activation for self-care and self-management using TEACH and Motivational Interviewing. o. He/she advocates for patients/residents, is a team member who promotes his/her own professional growth, development and practice. The LPN maintains flexibility in order to manage additional duties as assigned. p. Responsible for demonstrating the knowledge and practice of providing Nursing Care based on the four performance standards/ competencies, nursing care; safety; interpersonal communication; and customer service. q. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and /or verbal information. r. Performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care including, but not limited to:
policy orders, orders in suspense, protocols, completion of clinical reminders, appropriate consults and alerts as indicated. s. Observes and provides care for patients/residents through the implementation of assigned interventions. These interventions are targeted toward maximizing self-care management abilities. Work Schedule:
Tour of duty is varying daylight hours, Monday through Friday; however, weekend and evening hours may occur when Veteran needs arise. Travel to the CBOCs as needed if staffing needs arise but at the time of travel the individual will be reimbursed according to local guidelines. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/01/2020 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:
Written and Spoken Physical Standards:
All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to employment may be required. 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. 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 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. GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 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 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/LVNs 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/LVN. 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/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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 10, 2003. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Standards:
Applicants must possess the mental and physical ability to satisfactorily perform the duties. Physical requirements may involve lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, and bending.
- Department:
0620 Practical Nurse - Salary Range:
$29,011 to $52,802 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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