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This position functions in the Outpatient Clinic serving veterans in the Ambulatory Care Setting. The LPN provides care and counseling of persons and promotes maintenance of healthy living in the prevention of illness, injury, and chronic disease by using the nursing process including systematic data collecting, patient monitoring, nursing judgement, and evaluation of human response to actual or potential health problems. 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 the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission). See "Education" section for additional requirements and exceptions. 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. Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. GS-03. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04: 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-05. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: 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 registered nurse (RN) and/or physician (MD/DO) to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs 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-06. Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: 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 RN or 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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. Prepares/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. 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. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. ["A recruitment incentive of up to $10,000(pre-taxed) has been authorized for eligible, highly qualified applicants. Please contact the HR specialist for specific requirements This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until Sept 29, 2023, or when all positions have been filled. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. This position functions in the Outpatient Clinic serving veterans in the Ambulatory Care Setting. The LPN provides services such as case finding, health teaching, health counseling, provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being, and executing medical regimens including administering medications and treatments prescribed by a licensed or otherwise legally authorized provider. The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community. Duties include but not limited to: Performs, reports, records assigned nursing care in the Ambulatory Care Clinics, including, but not limited to: Oxygen therapy, immunization and medication administration, finger stick blood glucose test, and completes additional competency training to include but not limited to downloading glucose meter or Insulin Pump, Continuous Glucose Monitor insertion, Zio Patch, EKG, venipuncture, PVR bladder scan. Collaborates effectively with all disciplines and levels of care regarding patient care needs. Maintains clinic flow by completing clinic intake including obtaining, recording, reporting vital signs and measurements including but not limited to temperature, pulse, respirations, pain, blood pressure, height, weight, pulse oximetry and associated Clinical Reminders and standing orders vaccinations, according to established Standing Orders Policy. Assists with delegated minor procedures and treatments including obtaining and maintaining necessary equipment and supplies, positioning patient, and ensuring comfort and privacy. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation, administration and monitoring of prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures/orders. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition and reports deviations from normal to RN or Provider. Provides patient and family health education or instruction, to include self-management, prevention and wellness. Compliance with various Isolation Precautions and Infection Control Guidelines Skills in time management, priority setting, assessment and urgent intervention are required for this position Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional extended hours and weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment incentive of up to $10,000 authorized. A recruitment incentive may be paid to eligible, highly qualified candidates. A service agreement is required for all recruitment incentives. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: This position requires some degree of fitness, strength, and agility. LPNs may be required to position a patient in bed or transport a patient. LPNs must also have strength to pull and push; stand for long periods of time (8-12 hours); lift moderately heavy objects with assistive devices; walking, bending, kneeling, twisting, and reaching above shoulders. Visual and auditory acuity is required (correctable with glasses/hearing devices) to perform assessments, monitor equipment, collect data, etc. Fine motor skills are required to grasp and control medical equipment and perform precise procedures. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being."]

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