Career Center

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (PACT) (LVN) performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran. The LVN also performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. 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). 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 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 (NLNAC). Exceptions may include: Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-6: At least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements and meet the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): Technically proficient in initiating, performing & 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 & 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) & 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, & 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, & other staff Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication & 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, & or other internal/external customers Knowledge & 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 & 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, & training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge & skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve & advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: minimum of 2 years of current PACT ambulatory Care experience; 2 years LVN experience; minimum of 1 year of Med/Surg experience References: Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard, VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Appendix G13. The full performance level and actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Pulling hand over hand (8-12 hours); Pushing (8-12 hours); Both hands required; Walking (8-12 hours); Standing (8-12 hours); Kneeling; Repeated bending (8-12 hours); Climbing, legs only (8-12 hours); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted) ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 9/30/2022 or until filled. The first cut-off for application review will be March 28, 2022*** Additional applications will be referred as needed. The period of eligibility of your application will be 90 days. DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: VETERAN CARE Provides care with minimal RN supervision to a select group of patients. Performs and documents focused assessments (i.e. pain assessment, fall risk assessment) and reports abnormal findings to the RN team leader, or charge nurse. Performs Accu-Check glucose screen, takes and records vital signs and reports all significant deviations to the RN and/or health care provider immediately. Takes appropriate action as directed. Evaluates the nutritional needs for patients, including feeding assistance, and performs as necessary. Provides fluid needs and administers feeding by nasogastric, gastrostomy, jejunostomy, and enteral tubes. MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION Demonstrates proficiency in utilizing the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) scanner to administer medications to a group of patients safely and efficiently. Is able to serve as a preceptor for other LVNs, and can instruct others in the appropriate use of BCMA for medication administration. Is able to trouble shoot when issues with the BCMA scanners arise. Is aware of the contingency policy for medication administration and documentation should the computer system be non-functional. VETERAN SAFETY Is able to verbalize understanding of the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) and the means by which VANTHCS is assuring that these goals are met. Operates and is familiar with equipment utilized for physiological monitoring, ventilation, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, pulse oximeter, and blood/fluid warmers if assigned in areas where in use. Identifies documents and reports fall risk, confused/wandering patients to all staff. Recognizes and reports potential safety hazards and takes appropriate action to address the problem. COMPUTER/INFORMATION SECURITY Provide for the security and privacy of the Veteran and privileged information for the purpose of ensuring Veteran's right to privacy. In performance of official duties, the employee has regular access of printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statues, and policies and VANTHCS policy. The employee is responsible for (1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion, and (2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access agreement which the employee signs. DOCUMENTATION/COMMUNICATION/HAND-OFF Accurately documents all critical finding in the CPRS medical record. Demonstrates ability to perform and document focused assessments utilizing established CPRS templates. Demonstrates the ability to clearly communicate the patients' care needs during hand-off. Coordinates team planning, makes assignments for non-RN team members and follows for accomplishment of delegated assignments. CUSTOMER SERVICE Displays an attitude of caring and courtesy toward all Veterans and their families by treating them as our customers, greeting them with a smile, referring to them by name, responding quickly to their needs, maintaining confidentiality and treating them at all times with dignity and respect. Initiates and organizes quality process improvement activities for specifically assigned specialty areas. Participates in unit-based quality improvement activities. EDUCATION Must successfully compete and pass the annual mandatory reviews. Demonstrates competence through successful completion of return demonstration in accordance with nursing service policy. Demonstrates understanding of current performance measures and the medical center's/nursing service's actions to address the performance measures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm. May be required to work other shifts, weekends and/or holidays as patient care and needs of the service requires. Should operational needs dictate, candidates must be willing to work within other units (including community based outpatient clinics, for example); to assist and support continuation of the provisions to patient care.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]