Practical Nurse
The full performance LPN, GS-6, has the knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated effort and self-direction in carrying out the most complex practical nursing care assignments, including assignments for selected acute care, long-term or ambulatory care, or psychiatric patients requiring skilled nursing care. Serves as a member of a health care team with these selected patients and provides care to them on a regular and recurring basis. Completes assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing nonstandard and specialized practical nursing activities at the GS-5 level, requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of nursing problems. Completed work needs only a general review by an RN for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity with policy and nursing assignments. Clinical and Technical Functions:
1) Demonstrates knowledge and skills to perform non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities. 2) Demonstrates a high level of ability to vary order and sequence of assigned procedures and interventions based on patients' conditions. 3) Uses judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines. 4) Accurately reports and records significant patient assessment and teach reflecting progress toward identified nursing goals. 5) Demonstrates ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for nursing, medication and equipment-assisted care; and to recognize deviations from normal. 6) Takes initiative in identifying the need to modify patient care plans and considers physical, emotional and social factors. 7) Demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations. 8) Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures including preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination and monitoring the patient's condition. 9) Administers medications in accordance with VA NWIHCS Policy and Procedures. Has increased knowledge of untoward effects and desired effects of drugs administered; monitors patients accordingly. 10) Sets up and assists in the operation of special equipment. Orients staff and patients in the use of this equipment. Shares responsibility for ensuring that medical equipment is functional and safe; reports any evidence of malfunctioning. 11) Assists in the coordination of patient care activities with other departments/services. Communication Skills:
1) Possesses practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations and reactions to situations. Demonstrated ability to use this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family and other staff members. 2) Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients to elicit feelings and attitudes and to promote positive relationships, communications and socialization skills. 3) Communication, both oral and/or written, is provided promptly and is responsive to the customer's needs. 4) Recognizes the individual's level of understanding and uses the most effective means of communication in teaching the client and/or significant other about his disease process, utilizing the standards of care and documenting client response. 5) Provides verbal and/or written information in a timely manner that is thorough and accurate, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand. Environment of Care:
1) Encourages patients/residents/staff to adhere to policies and procedures related to safety/infection control. Maintains a safe, clean environment. 2) Recognizes, reports and acts upon any situation that may be potentially dangerous to patients/residents, staff or visitors. 3) Utilizes safe patient handling equipment and techniques in lifting, moving and transferring patients. 4) Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment in the patient care unit. Understands and applies principles of infection control and standard precautions while giving care to all patients. Uses correct techniques, assistive devices and equipment when physically assisting patients or when assisting in physically restraining patients. Observes for and reports safety hazards and assists in correction of hazardous conditions. 5) Observes and monitors activities of patients at risk. Reports to the Registered Nurse any behaviors that may be potentially harmful to the patient or others, and when a patient at risk cannot be accounted for. Growth and Team Development:
1) Actively participates in unit level, service/product line, medical center and organizational educational/performance improvement activities. 2) Assists new staff in orientation activities, as it applies to own nursing unit, through shared knowledge and clinical expertise. Work Schedule:
Full time set schedule, 80 hours per pay period, a mix of 8 and 12 Hour night shifts working every other weekend. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/06/2020. 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. 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:
(1) 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,(2) VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in 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.(3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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 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). BLS Certification required GRADE DETERMINATIONS:
GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, GS-5 (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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. Physical Requirements:
Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs); Reaching Above Shoulder; Both Hands Required; Walking Throughout Assigned Shift; Standing As Duties Require; Kneeling as Duties Require; Repeated Bending As Duties Require; Both Legs Are Required; Near Vision Correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far Vision Correctable in One Eye To 20/50 and to 20/100 In the Other; Color Vision; Hearing (aid permitted); and Specific Hearing Requirements. References:
VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD 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.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
1) Demonstrates knowledge and skills to perform non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities. 2) Demonstrates a high level of ability to vary order and sequence of assigned procedures and interventions based on patients' conditions. 3) Uses judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines. 4) Accurately reports and records significant patient assessment and teach reflecting progress toward identified nursing goals. 5) Demonstrates ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for nursing, medication and equipment-assisted care; and to recognize deviations from normal. 6) Takes initiative in identifying the need to modify patient care plans and considers physical, emotional and social factors. 7) Demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations. 8) Performs support duties for diagnostic procedures including preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination and monitoring the patient's condition. 9) Administers medications in accordance with VA NWIHCS Policy and Procedures. Has increased knowledge of untoward effects and desired effects of drugs administered; monitors patients accordingly. 10) Sets up and assists in the operation of special equipment. Orients staff and patients in the use of this equipment. Shares responsibility for ensuring that medical equipment is functional and safe; reports any evidence of malfunctioning. 11) Assists in the coordination of patient care activities with other departments/services. Communication Skills:
1) Possesses practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations and reactions to situations. Demonstrated ability to use this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family and other staff members. 2) Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients to elicit feelings and attitudes and to promote positive relationships, communications and socialization skills. 3) Communication, both oral and/or written, is provided promptly and is responsive to the customer's needs. 4) Recognizes the individual's level of understanding and uses the most effective means of communication in teaching the client and/or significant other about his disease process, utilizing the standards of care and documenting client response. 5) Provides verbal and/or written information in a timely manner that is thorough and accurate, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand. Environment of Care:
1) Encourages patients/residents/staff to adhere to policies and procedures related to safety/infection control. Maintains a safe, clean environment. 2) Recognizes, reports and acts upon any situation that may be potentially dangerous to patients/residents, staff or visitors. 3) Utilizes safe patient handling equipment and techniques in lifting, moving and transferring patients. 4) Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment in the patient care unit. Understands and applies principles of infection control and standard precautions while giving care to all patients. Uses correct techniques, assistive devices and equipment when physically assisting patients or when assisting in physically restraining patients. Observes for and reports safety hazards and assists in correction of hazardous conditions. 5) Observes and monitors activities of patients at risk. Reports to the Registered Nurse any behaviors that may be potentially harmful to the patient or others, and when a patient at risk cannot be accounted for. Growth and Team Development:
1) Actively participates in unit level, service/product line, medical center and organizational educational/performance improvement activities. 2) Assists new staff in orientation activities, as it applies to own nursing unit, through shared knowledge and clinical expertise. Work Schedule:
Full time set schedule, 80 hours per pay period, a mix of 8 and 12 Hour night shifts working every other weekend. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/06/2020. 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. 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:
(1) 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,(2) VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in 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.(3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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 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). BLS Certification required GRADE DETERMINATIONS:
GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or (b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, GS-5 (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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. Physical Requirements:
Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs); Reaching Above Shoulder; Both Hands Required; Walking Throughout Assigned Shift; Standing As Duties Require; Kneeling as Duties Require; Repeated Bending As Duties Require; Both Legs Are Required; Near Vision Correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far Vision Correctable in One Eye To 20/50 and to 20/100 In the Other; Color Vision; Hearing (aid permitted); and Specific Hearing Requirements. References:
VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD 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.
- Department:
0620 Practical Nurse - Salary Range:
$34,505 to $54,168 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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